21108: A Carved Bone Napoleonic Prisoner-of-War Ship HM

A Carved Bone Napoleonic Prisoner-of-War Ship HMS Conqueror Model with Mahogany and Glass Case, France, circa 1800 20-1/2 x 16-3/4 x 10-1/4 inches (52.1 x 42.5 x 26.0 cm) (model) 30-1/2 x 21-1/4 x 16 inches (77.5 x 53.9 x 40.6 cm) (case) Property from the Estate of Kenneth Alan Hill, Sr., Fort Worth, Texas PROVENANCE: Vallejo Gallery, Newport Beach, California Note: Due to the Customs restrictions relating to some species of bone, international bidders may not have the lot shipped to them. The carved bone model has a sharp three-masted ship's rig with much of the rigging original. The warship shows an exceptional amount of custom carvings, with an ornate wooden wall, elaborate quarter galleries and the polychrome Grecian warrior figurehead with combed helmet. Considered a pinnacle artform of the ship modeling craft, bone ships made by prisoners during the Napoleonic Wars are highly collectible maritime artifacts. Beautifully detailed and proportioned, the hull is finely pinned with two full decks of cannon with upper deck guns for a total of 78 copper cannon on bone carriages. There is a retracting pull cord present at the transom. The deck of laid bone planks, with carved rails, gratings and skylights adds to the details including the capstan, galley chimneys, bell, and water casks. The three masts have traditional fighting platforms and bone spars with detailed running and standing rigging. The ship is complete as it rests on an ornate base of boxwood and bone with turned posts, all set under a stepped mahogany and glass case with engraved brass plaque inscribed H.M.S. CONQUEROR, Prisoner-of-War Bone Ship Model, 78-Gun Third Rate Ship-of-the-Line, ca. 1800. The HMS Conqueror was modified from the Mars Class in 1801 and built by the Graham Yard in Harwich, England from the design of Henslow. Her dimensions were 176' with a 144'3" waterline, 49' beam and a 20'9" depth. In her prime she would have been manned by some 590 crew and troops, and she sailed into the Battle of Trafalgar and conflicts throughout the Napoleonic Campaigns. On February 2, 1812, the HMS Conqueror was driven ashore on the coast of England between Sheerness and Chatham, Kent, during a storm. She was broken up in 1822. HID03101062020© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Condition Report: Adhesive residue at feet of model to base of case, light scratches to edges of base indicative of age and use, presents well.
Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only And should Not be relied upon as statements of fact, And do Not constitute a representation, warranty, Or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "As Is"

Buyer’s Premium Per Lot: This auction is subject to a Buyer’s Premium of 25% on the first $300,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $300,000 and $3,000,000, plus 12.5% of any amount over $3,000,000 per lot.