Pontoon model in bone and metal representing a three-masted ship. Presented on an oak base in a glass box. The wars between Napoleon's navy and the naval forces of King George III of England (1791-1815) lasted so long that captured French prisoners had to find resources to cope with their imprisonment, which sometimes lasted more than eleven long years! Prisoners were not treated as convicts, but were confined either in the holds of disused ships (pontoons) in ports, or in old castles or fortresses, or in prison camps such as Norman Cross or Dartmoor in Devon (as the inscription on a label states). These model boats were called "pontoon models". The English were very fond of the pontoon models they loved, represented in a stylized form that was nonetheless faithful to the French Navy. These pieces were made from ox, whale or sperm whale bones, and sometimes even boxwood, along with various materials such as silk, silver or gold foil, ivory or tortoise shell. The craftsmanship of these models was remarkable, thanks to their finish and the sailors' knowledge of the boats themselves. A similar model was presented in Paris (Kâ-Mondo, Drouot, November 10, 2016, lot 208). Approximate dimensions: 27 x 34 cm Expert : MB ART EXPERTISES Morgan BLAISE - 06 78 62 87 55 - [email protected] Collection by appointment only, on June 20 and 21, 2023, in Paris VIIIe (Metro: Franklin Roosevelt Line 8 or Saint-Philippe du Roule Line 9). [The exact address will be communicated to you after full payment of the slip, when the appointment is made].