A French prisoner-of-war model of H.M.S. Volage in a glazed case the model early 19th century

the boxwood masts and rigging above a nailed planked boxwood deck, the ebonised planked sides with bone mounts, the lower sides and keel mounted in copper, on a later walnut and rosewood plinth inlaid with a fan medallion and spandrels

Good overall condition. There are 22 guns. The case and stand are later but well made. There are signs of restoration to the rigging, or at least some tightening as there is some colour variatrion and the rigging is very taught. A very fine example. For further information on this Lot, please contact the English Furniture Department on 00 44 (0) 207 293-5470.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Most surviving prisoner-of-war models date between 1793 and 1815, an age which encompassed the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars when prisoners were detained for a greater length of time than wars of an earlier period. The locations for the confinement of seamen prisoners were typified by hulks in naval Dockyards or old castles and fortresses such as Porchester and Edinburgh. However purpose-built prisons such as Dartmoor afforded conditions which were more conducive to model-making. Aside from the recreational benefits of this pastime, prisoners were able to augment their meagre pay which ranged from 2½d per day for ordinary seamen to 11 shillings for a captain. In some prisons, markets were held on a regular basis and products such as models could be sold and new materials purchased. One of the most ubiquitous materials used in model-making was bone. Its principle source was from the daily meat rations provided to prisoners, which was typically measured out at half a pound per inmate including the bone.