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Learn MoreNapoleonic Prisoner-of-War Bone Ship Model
- This exceptional Napoleonic-era ship model is a rare artifact of military history
- Crafted from bone, the model is complete with deck fittings and rigging
- The ship is set within a finely executed straw-work waterline mount
- Napoleonic prisoners created detailed models with limited materials, including bones from rations
- Get complete item description here
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Circa 1805
This exceptional Napoleonic-era ship model is a rare artifact of maritime and world history. Crafted by a French prisoner of war during the Napoleonic Wars, this finely detailed three-masted ship of the line is skillfully constructed from bone, using material left over from rations. The planked decks feature finely rendered details, including capstans, scored hammock racks, guns mounted in bone stepped carriages, bound masts with yards, stuns’l. . .
Circa 1805
This exceptional Napoleonic-era ship model is a rare artifact of maritime and world history. Crafted by a French prisoner of war during the Napoleonic Wars, this finely detailed three-masted ship of the line is skillfully constructed from bone, using material left over from rations. The planked decks feature finely rendered details, including capstans, scored hammock racks, guns mounted in bone stepped carriages, bound masts with yards, stuns’l booms and full standing and running rigging. It is set within a finely executed straw-work waterline mount, secured with anchor devices at each corner, and presented in its glass case. Few examples of such scale and intricacy survive, making this a museum-worthy relic of wartime craftsmanship.
During the long years of conflict between Napoléon and King George III, French prisoners were often detained for years on de-rigged ships known as “Hulks” or in English prison camps. With limited materials, including mutton bones from rations, these prisoners began creating detailed items for sale at market stalls within the camps. While some produced boxes, games and curios, ship models such as this were the most admired and collected, particularly by British naval officers.
In case: 12 1/4" high x 18" wide x 9" deep

| Period: | 19th Century |
| Origin: | England |
| Type: | Historical Memorabilia |
| Depth: | 9.0 in. (22.86 cm) |
| Width: | 18.0 in. (45.72 cm) |
| Height: | 12.25 in. (31.12 cm) |
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
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