This is a cute little specialist collector's item for people who collect early 20th-century Japanese toys or games. It probably dates to the 1920s.
The little boat is made to move across water in a shallow bowl or dish. They were propelled by a chemical on white paper that you would attach to the bottom of the boat (missing from here - it was probably a thin sheet of glycerin rather than paper).
There is only one yacht in this box - I have found some other little early celluloid floating toys (a duck, sailing ship, and a liner) - and have popped those in beside the original yacht - but please note that they are my "extras" and not original contents.
These little Japanese miniature celluloid yachts are now hard to find.
Dimensions - the yacht is 3 inches in height and with a width of 2 1/2 inches. The box measure 3 1/2 inches square.
The little yacht comes in its original box which is made of strawboard and decorated with lithographically printed decorations and a pretty label.
Both the box and the celluloid boat are in fine vintage condition as photographed. There is still a little printed instructions sheet loose inside the box. Given the delicacy of the model - I am surprised that it has survived in this condition for nearly 100 years.
When these wee antique Japanese novelties come up for sale - they are often with high price tickets - I am not sure what to charge here - but it is probably a fair price for this item. This is an item for the more specialist toys and games collector.
Postage in the UK will be £4.95 with Royal Mail Recorded Post - this will be applied to your order at the checkout stage.