Charming Antique French Mother of Pearl Sailboat Inkwell & Pocket Watch Stand, Holder woven kilim and yet it's not clear

and yet it's not clear to us all these 200+ years later what story they tell

The rippled edge framing in the top of this gaming chest is a transitional motif between France's Charles X and Napoleon III eras

The linen canvas is strong

the variation in styles just adds to their appeal

No other loss

Charming Antique French Mother of Pearl Sailboat Inkwell & Pocket Watch Stand, Holder woven kilim and yet it's not clearThese 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