Description
A Napoleonic prisoner-of-war model ship, ca 1815. In a glazed, ebonised case.
In lovely condition throughout.
This antique bone ship’s model was made by a prisoner of war during a long period of captivity – in the course of the Napoleonic Wars (1793-1815).
Skilfully fashioned from mutton or beef bones – this a complete, fully-rigged example. These are highly sought-after by museums and collectors.
Christies Interiors Masters and Makers sold a number in their London auction, lot 754, ref 9957, 2013 – at prices varying between £6000 and £10,000.
Measures:
L 18” (46 cm)
H 14 1/2” (37 cm)
W 6” (14.5 cm)
Case:
L 56 cm
H 46.5 cm
W 22 cm.
Literature:
Prisoner of War Bone Ship Models 26 February 2021 – www.pow-boneships.de
Prisoner of War Bone Model Ships – Oxnard, California – https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/prisoner-of-war-bone-model-ships
Prisoner-of-war bone ship model – Inside the Collection – https://maas.museum/inside-the-collection/2010/02/15/prisoner-of-war-bone-ship-model/
The History of the Square-Rigger – Edited Entry – https://h2g2.com/edited_entry/A1149257
Art Objects done by Prisoners of War during the Napoleonic -https://www.mundusmaris.org/index.php/en/review/exhibitions/1783-bone-en
