This model of the First Rate Warship of the British Admiralty is a highly detailed and fine example of the artistic craftsmanship of the prisoners, mostly French but some Dutch and British, held during the Napoleonic Wars (1795-1815). These superbly accurate and highly detailed models are considered by enthusiastic collectors worldwide as some of the most desirable and important ship models ever created.
Representing one of the largest Ships-of-the-Line from the period, this model features great sharp lines and an intricacy of the rig and gear that is to be marveled over, regardless of the harsh circumstances of its construction. The masts have ring slices of gold and baleen between bone sections, and the main deck has a baleen center dividing the bone planks. Gun ports have red polychrome to echo those in real life, and large anchors of bone and metal are position to drop and hold firm. Above the bow's beak a Warrior Figurehead, sword aloft, is quite visible. Special note should be given the detailed base made of a bone tray and feet with inlays of colorful woven straw.
These rare Prisoner-of-War bone models has been available in very few numbers, the decline making it more difficult for private collectors to compete with public institution buyers for acquisition of these historically important and aesthetically appealing artifacts. This is a fine model of an intricate scale that would be appreciated in any collection.
