A French Prisoner-of-War bone and ebony model of a British Man-of-War in its original straw marquetry and glass case early 19th century

straw marquetry box opens to reveal a hinged glass door enclosing ship and mirrors to show all sides. Together with an original 1929 auction catalogue.

Anderson Galleries New York, April 23, 1929, lot 128

Remarkable survival and workmanship. Rare original case. Straw marquetry box is in need of restoration as there are several losses and age cracks, especially with unfilled holes to sides and a horizontal age crack to back. The glass has been replaced. The interior mirrors are original and have lost much of their silvering. The straw marquetry to the interior is in better condition than the exterior but still with some lifting, losses and cracks. Ship appears to be in excellent condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Napoleonic Wars changed the history of warfare, in particular through France's refusal to honor the tradition of prisoner swaps, thus vastly increasing the number of prisoners of war. France also imprisoned all English males on French soil, which went against the custom of only arresting active combatants. The British followed suit; thus, there were an estimated 80,000 French prisoners interned in Britain during the war. Left to their own devices, prisoners occupied themselves with the traditional handicrafts of soldiers and sailors, such as carving, whittling, and fancy ropework. This pastime soon turned into a mini economy. France gave their prisoners a small salary, so prisoners used that money to buy supplies from the British officers who then either purchased the carvings from the prisoners or brought in others to buy.

The present Man-of-War is one of the more finely crafted specimens especially since it is in its original straw marquetry box. Straw marquetry was another hobby of the imprisoned, so this ship model demonstrates the creative skills of its maker as well as his ability to barter for some of the best supplies (mirrors, straw, wood, bone, parchment).