A pair of very fine miniature ship models, one a First Rate Warship, and the other her escort vessel are set atop a mirrored base, surrounded by a boxwood railing with carved finials, all set under a period glass dome case.
The models are made entirely of boxwood, including the rigging and sails made of very thin and delicate pieces which took a very steady hand to create. Each ship has an incredible amount of detail which can be seen in our photos on this page. Notice the fine ornamental touches throughout- the larger ship includes diamond patterns on the quarter galleries and gunwhales, a floral pattern with rope border on the sternboard and transom, and a repeat of the diamond pattern in several hatch covers on deck. The maker embellished the model further with finely painted highlights in red, green, blue and black with metal accents.
At the bow, a figurehead of a warrior, likely a Trojan or Roman given its attire, holds a shield with silver toned pattern. On deck, there is a curved bell tower and bell, and detailed capstan along with barrels and a pair of matching tenders amidships.
The escort ship echoes the design of the other vessel, with a diamond pattern on a hatch cover and insides of the railing, painted red. A pair of finely wrought anchors sits on both sides of each ship's bow.
The prisoner who made this model clearly had an extraordinary patience and steady hand. The photos make the detail elements appear large, but to view the model in person, these things are tiny to the unaided eye. It's an important model that is a marvel of construction and design.
