This very fine specimen of Napoleonic Prisoner of War carving, together with its rare combination of two automated spinning ladies, is one of the finest we have ever seen. This carved bone clock tower was made to house a small pocket watch in its center to achieve the appealing overall effect.
The elaborately carved ornamental design features a delicate latticework of almost lacelike intricacy surrounded by four warrior figures that adorn each corner. The second tier features two lesser female figures standing and two female figures wearing fashionable bonnets seated behind the fully automated spinning jennies that are operated by the tiny carved handle seen at the front of the piece.
Creating such an exquisite piece under the difficult circumstances the craftsman lived under demanded his extreme skill, delicacy and untiring patience. This important tribute to the artisan's skill survives today as a testament to his personal triumph over adversity.
