Found at market just outside of Paris, this charming duo of shell boxes are a special find for sure, proudly proclaiming their origins as souvenirs of the French town of Cherbourg.

Perched on the windswept coast of Normandy, Cherbourg—today known officially as Cherbourg-en-Cotentin—has long been shaped by the sea. A strategic harbor since Roman times, it rose to prominence in the Middle Ages and became a coveted naval stronghold contested by the French and English during the Hundred Years’ War. In the 18th and 19th centuries, ambitious engineering projects transformed its natural roadstead into one of the largest artificial harbors in the world, securing its role as a key military and commercial port. Cherbourg also played a civilian role as a transatlantic gateway during the golden of age of travel; most famously, it was the final port of call for the Titanic in 1912.

With a nod to its seaside status, each wonderful box is carefully decorated with lovely seashells. For safe-keeping your own treasures, this storied souvenir is ready to make its final journey to you.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In good vintage condition with light cracking to a few shells on the back and sides of each box as seen in the alternative images. Each box measures 6.25"W x 4.5"L x 3"H.

Learn More About Shellwork

Shellwork, the art of arranging seashells into decorative designs and objects, has a history as old as human fascination with the sea itself. Shells were prized in the ancient world not only for their natural beauty but also as symbols of fertility, love, and protection. By the Renaissance, European collectors were amassing “cabinets of curiosities” where rare shells were displayed alongside precious stones and scientific specimens. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the fashion for shell grottos and elaborate shell-encrusted interiors took hold—aristocrats commissioned fantastical retreats adorned from floor to ceiling with intricate mosaics of shimmering shells, transforming humble marine treasures into dazzling works of art.

By the Victorian era, shellwork had become a popular pastime on a more intimate scale. Sailors returning from long voyages often brought home souvenirs crafted from shells—delicate boxes, floral arrangements, and keepsakes known as “sailor’s valentines.” At the same time, seaside resorts sold shell-covered trinkets to holidaymakers eager for a tangible memory of the coast.