Very Rare French Prisoner-of-War Bone Sculpted GUILLOTINE

A fantastic and Rare French Prisoner-of-War bone and wood sculpted GUILLOTINE, circa. Early 19th century. The bone plank on board platform measures 19" long X 8.75" wide X 18.5" tall. The perimeter is protected by (12) cannon, (6) on each side. The entry has two swinging doors. The bone Guillotine blade moves up and down the frame. One finial top is missing. A very attractive elaborate and imaginative piece in very good condition. 

According to the owner; This model was created by a prisoner from scraps of beef and mutton (sheep) bone and was purchased from the prisoner sometime in 1812 in Bristol, England.

It is our opinion; Some parts may have been restored and or replaced during the last 50 years and most likely had soldiers but are now missing.

Provenance; From the personal collection of and possibly Restored by the late Master ship builder/Museum restorer, Ramon Parga of Lehigh Acres, FL.

Please see in the photos a similar example sold at a Sotheby's Auction in 2017.

Sotheby's Auction Description:  Lot #226  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. This guillotine is of an impressive size and features some unique elements, such as the mini cannons lining the deck, the working guillotine blade, and the large amount of soldiers present.  Est. $20,000 - $30,000, SOLD FOR $40,000.00

TTI-795

Ref; Consignment #4, H.H/R.P.