These are always fun, always popular and tougher to come by. This 19th century Grand Tour souvenir from France shows you why. A typical little desk stand, it's got covered original inkwell, but also the pocket watch hook up top of the mast, and the open "boat" is a cup into which one would put the contents of pockets at evening. Jewelry and pocket watch, a few coins. These old items were called "vide poche" (literally translates to empty pocket) in France and they still remain a staple of French homes, usually whimsical and a fun bedside accent.
The type you see here dates 19th century, and this one is in very good form for age and type. The sail is made of a curved natural shell cut and shaped to appear that it has caught wind, and it's radiant with pearlescent shimmer. Our photos often seem to not show that off well. Something in our lighting, but it's there. The stand and sailboat's body are also natural shells. The center mast with that upper hook for a pocket watch, as noted. See images for all measurements.
