Superb antique French Napoleon III era Grand Tour style souvenir inkwell & pocket watch display stand, a 12.5" tall ship or boat with shimmering mother of pearl sails, hull & base, charming bird or seagull figures, compass & anchor! The base also marked in incised enamel script "Ste Maxime", Saint Maxime a seaport area on the southern coast of France. This fabulous 12.5" tall sail boat with inkwell is one of the finest of these we've found. The twisted wire rigging and ladder, the added detail of rudder, anchor and the finest materials used have retained the lustre of the mother of pearl and the brilliant gold of the alloy metal used. The inkwell not original but fits nearly perfectly in place, lifts out to clean, and hasn't a single flaw that I can see to the glass though the lid is likely a replacement. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, without a flaw to note. Natural sea shells are used to craft these c.1850-90 souvenirs, and for this well-treasured one, not a single chip to report. Inkwell is also without chip or loss, and all the details in the twisted wire 'rope', riggings, rudder, anchor and all are jut superb on this one. A personal favorite, the first we've had with the addition of the seagulls. See pictures for all measurements.
