This model of the French warship "Héros"-a 74-gun ship of the line-probably was made by French prisoners in British camps during the Napoleonic Wars (1793-1815). Inmates crafted articles to pass the time and to sell at prison markets, which were open to the public. Prisoners could obtain materials at such markets, but many models, including this one, were made predominantly of bone scraps saved from meals. Prisoners from Dieppe, France-who had been ivory workers-possibly crafted the fine ivory carvings at the bow and stern.

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