A British 84 gun Ship-of-the line miniature model 14”(35.5 cm) long overall.

Napoleonic Prisoner of War Boxwood ship model circa 1800 -1810.

This and similar models were constructed by French prisoners in British prisons during the Napoleonic Wars (1793-1815).

 Model made of boxwood, copper bottom (one piece metal sheet), figurehead of Roman warrior  (boxwood), double quarter gallery, open stern gallery with balustrade, two boats,  turned brass guns  and 4 carronades on the quarterdeck, 3 flags, neo-classic style décor painted or carved throughout the ship .

Case has oval black japanned wooden base, covered with blue velvet inside. Original glass dome-shaped cover encloses and protects the model. Model displays on cradles ornamented with 4 plaster dolphins.

Size: Model- length overall 14”, hull between stern and figurehead 11”. Case - L17”x W7”x H14”.

Age and condition: Model was built in early years of 19 century and now about 200 years old.

Condition of the model and case is excellent. There is some minor damage to the rigging. Flags are most likely later additions.  Domed glass case with japanned black base is characteristic for Victorian times and more than 100 years old itself.

Value   this model represents rarest and most desirable type of prisoner of war models. Boxwood models were made in smaller numbers and much more historically accurate than their bone counterparts.  Models of this type can be seen in the United States Naval Academy Museum ( The  Rogers Collection ),  Science Museum in London,  Museum of Transport in Glasgow, National Maritime Museum in Greenwich  etc. Miniature size, outstanding degree of preservation, graceful lines of the hull, artistic ornaments, intricate details, beautiful case make this particular model truly museum level item.

Bibliography:

-    Ewart C. Freeston, Prisoner-of-War Ship Models 1775 – 1825

See more pictures of this model below. More photos available upon request.