An early 19th century Napoleonic French prisoner-of-war bone and baleen scale model of a 124-gun First Rate ship of the line, with planked and pinned hull and decks, turned brass guns, finely carved quarter and stern galleries, the figurehead a standing figure of Mars.
The fittings include capstan, water barrels, companionways, gratings, three longboats, two bone and brass anchors and with carved balustrade, retaining contemporary painted decoration, on original bone and pine base with shaped border, minor damages and old repairs, the model 18.75 inches x 5 inches, 13.25 inches high, the later mahogany case 24 inches x 9 inches, 18.5 inches high.
Model of a British Man-o’-War (c.1800), made by French Prisoners of the Napoleonic Wars (from bones of their rations and their own hair), in Salop Gaol. Acquired by the Rev. William Vaughan (1799-1866), Rector of Pontesbury, Hinton Hall, Pontesbury, County Salop. Nannau; Schedule of Contents 1958, No.90.
Read More on the Finch & Co. Website.
Scan and Information Courtesy of Tamlyns.
