A Carved Bone Napoleonic Prisoner-of-War Ship Model Circa Early 1800's....

Description

A Carved Bone Napoleonic Prisoner-of-War Ship Model Circa Early 1800's. Note: Due to the Customs restrictions relating to some species of bone, international bidders may not have the lot shipped to them.

A Prisoner-of War model of a 72-gun ship, third class, French made, circa 1803-1815. Fashioned from carved ivory, whale bone, and baleen, the carved bone model has a sharp three-masted ship's rig. These model ships were considered the highest form of ship modeling craft, made by prisoners during the Napoleonic Wars, and are among the most highly collected and prized maritime artifacts.

This intricately carved model ship has been in the family of the consignor since the first quarter of the 20th century where it has remained a central and cherished heirloom. Beautifully detailed and proportioned, the planked and riveted hull is finely pinned with carefully selected bone material containing subtle highlights of red and green pigmentation. The masts are realistically fitted with topmast and topgallant mast, accurately displayed with full rigging including shrouds, stays, and bowsprit webbing, the bow is carved with a female figurehead. The guns arrayed with raised hatches on the gun deck and lower deck with additional batteries on the spar deck and forecastle.

The model ship measures: 21" in length, 17" in height supported on a bone platform raised on carved feet, the whole resting on a later Victorian rectangular wood base with velvet lining raised on bun feet with glass cover measuring: 25 1/2" long 10" wide 21" tall.

Condition Report:
Minor snagging of the rigging and one gunport hatch missing. A professional and very detailed appraisal paid for by the consignor (completed in 1994 for insurance purposes at that time) accompanies this model ship.

Additional information: The figurehead is that of a Roman or Greek soldier not a female figure.

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.

Custom Shipping Required.

NOTE: CITES compliance applies to this lot. International bidders may not have the lot shipped to them. Transport of such lots require special licenses for export, import or both. Bidders are responsible for any licenses and /or permits. California State law prohibits the importation of any product containing Python skin into the State of California, thus no lot containing Python skin will be shipped to or invoiced to a person or company in California. Fossil Ivory is currently banned or restricted in the following U.S. States: New York, New Jersey, California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Oregon, Illinois and New Hampshire.