A Napoleonic Prisoner-of-War work carved bone ship model, early 19th century

From the end of the 18^th century to the first part of the 19^th century, Britain was engaged in hostilities with France and many other nations. During this time, huge numbers of prisoners were taken and incarcerated in prisons up and down the country (including Norman Cross, near Peterborough and Dartmoor). During their confinement, the prisoners were allocated an allowance of meat (typically measured out at half a pound per inmate including the bone). They were also allowed by prison authorities to earn money by selling items that they had made. The easy availability of bone from their rations which could be carved and bedding straw which could be cut and coloured made these obvious materials to make objects from. Ship models were especially popular, and the present lot employs both in its construction and other found articles. It is likely that the best ship models were made by officers who would be able to work in more congenial surroundings. They would also be able to secure tools and materials more readily and importantly be able to contact prospective purchasers. Although goods sold by prisoners were supposed to show a maker’s name, this is rare, and objects veneered with straw occasionally feature views related to a prison or town, there is no creator linked with any ship model. It has been suggested that many of these models were made by a syndicate of men specialising in different skills to speed production.