A Private collector in Hamburg
- Certificate of Antiquity -
The magnificant late 18th. century Bone and Ivory model Ship of The Line, circa 1795, 86 guns, made by
French Prisoners’ of War in
pristine condition. Illustrated “The Ivory Hammer” 1964/1965.In my opinion, this ship is one of the finest
models made and it is remarkable that it has survived in such undamaged condition. Not least is the beauty
of the original rigging, made from human hair. The few ships that one sees from time to time, invariably
have the rigging missing – it is impossible to replace in the same manner and restored ships always have an
obvious coarse new look.
This ship is made of ivory, bone (from scraps of food), horn (the black decoration), brass (the guns) and gold
(the rivets and rudder fittings – the prisoners would use their wedding rings).
