A quality model built of the demanding materials of bone and baleen and matching the intricate style of prisoner craft-works during the Napoleonic Wars, this detailed warship is of the EDGAR, named after the last true Anglo-Saxon King of England (943-975). The two full gun decks and upper deck armaments would have proved to be a formidable opponent to any other ship. The forecastle drops with the presentation of the royal figurehead, and is bracketed by the rail cages to serve as a fighting platform. The name is carved in the sternboard as well, painted in a vivid red polychrome. Probably made in the 20TH Century, its quality is such that it rivals the artifacts made in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, especially in concert with its highly ornate marquetry base of burled walnut, rosewood, pearwood and ebony. The is completed with the custom glazed mahogany case.
Representing one of the backbone ships the 18TH Century Royal Navy fleet, this model features a broader build than some later warships, and lines and a rig that had evolved to a sophisticated science for handling the large ships. The rails are capped in baleen, as are the bulwark lines, and the gun ports are swung open to show the bronze cannon barrels. Two pairs of large anchors are catted in place to be ready hold the vessel fats, a rather unusual set-up.
While not amongst the oldest of this type, the bone carving has a nice aged feeling and harkens back to the period when England was emerging as the dominant power in the entire world. Prisoner-of-War bone models are very infrequently available, and are actively sought out. The ship modelers possessing the skill, now or ever, to make a work of this quality is rarer still. This is a very good and large scale warship model that will hold an audience in awe and impress in any collection.
