Image Lot Price Description















2205
$8,470.00

NAPOLEONIC PRISONER OF WAR BONE MODEL OF A 48 GUN FRIGATE.

1st quarter 19th century, England. This small model most likely made by French prisoners during the Napoleonic Wars while captive in Great Britain. Mounted in a domed glass case. The 3-masted frigate with planked bone decking and hull of pinned construction mounted with 48 guns on two decks. Model made with twisted silk or baleen strung rigging with well detailed fantail and female figurehead. Note: The war between Napoleon’s French Navy and the naval forces of England lasted so long that the captured French prisoners had to find ways to pass the time. Although the British did not treat them as convicts, they were confined to prison hulks, old castles or purpose built prison camps such as Dartmoor. Their captors encouraged the prisoners to form their own groups or guilds to produce small objects of art to sell in the camp’s civilian markets. Among the most popular were ship models that they created representing British naval ships of the period. French prisoners of war obtained beef and mutton bones from the food rations issued to them. After gathering bones for use in model building, prisoners boiled the bones and bleached them in the sun, to make the bones easier to shape and carve. In addition to cattle and mutton bones, prisoners made use of their own hair to fashion sail rigging, and tissue paper to create sails. SIZE: Model: 14″ h x 15-1/2″ l. Dome: 16-1/2″ h x 17-3/4″ l x 8″ approx. w. PROVENANCE: Contents of a lifetime collection “Brook Crossing,” South Pomfret, VT. CONDITION: Glass dome and velvet covered base original and in good condition. The model is sound. Rigging generally complete. One area of rigging in disrepair on main mast beneath top gallant spar. Generally very good overall. Special Note: This item(s) contains plant or animal properties that may be covered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Please read the Conditions of Sale, section 15, for more information regarding the Endangered Species Act, and your responsibilities as a buyer. 52806-213 (5,000-10,000) ESA – Lot 2205


Auction: Fine Art, Asian & Antiques - Winter 2018
Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.