Antique French Mother of Pearl Sailboat Inkwell and Pocket Watch Stand, Holder carved shell or platter

or platter

The parts we're selling include the box

I believe this is one of those

An unusual manner of miniature

I've clicked photos in Palaces such as the Catherine Palace in St

Antique French Mother of Pearl Sailboat Inkwell and Pocket Watch Stand, Holder carved shell or platterThese 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: empty pocket) in France and they