Antique Prisoner-of-War Carved Bone Snuff Box | Circa 1790–1815

$650.00
$650.00
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Napoleonic prisoner-of-war carved bone snuff box showing a narrative scene with multiple human figures in relief on a beige background.
Front view of a Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box displayed on a clear stand, showing detailed relief figures on a white background.
Side view of a Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box showing relief carving and the hinged lid on a white background.
Opposite side of a Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box featuring carved borders and hinge details on a white background.
End view of a Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box displaying tight woven and braided carving patterns on a white background.
Carved bone snuff box end showing detailed woven and knotted relief patterns, attributed to Napoleonic POW craftsmanship.
Alternate front panel of a Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box with relief figures and textured landscape carving on a white background.
Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box reverse panel displaying multiple standing figures in relief with lattice and floral borders.
Interior view of an open Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box showing the original compartment and hand-carved lid on a white background.
  • Napoleonic prisoner-of-war carved bone snuff box showing a narrative scene with multiple human figures in relief on a beige background.
  • Front view of a Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box displayed on a clear stand, showing detailed relief figures on a white background.
  • Side view of a Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box showing relief carving and the hinged lid on a white background.
  • Opposite side of a Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box featuring carved borders and hinge details on a white background.
  • End view of a Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box displaying tight woven and braided carving patterns on a white background.
  • Carved bone snuff box end showing detailed woven and knotted relief patterns, attributed to Napoleonic POW craftsmanship.
  • Alternate front panel of a Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box with relief figures and textured landscape carving on a white background.
  • Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box reverse panel displaying multiple standing figures in relief with lattice and floral borders.
  • Interior view of an open Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box showing the original compartment and hand-carved lid on a white background.
Napoleonic prisoner-of-war carved bone snuff box showing a narrative scene with multiple human figures in relief on a beige background.
Front view of a Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box displayed on a clear stand, showing detailed relief figures on a white background.
Side view of a Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box showing relief carving and the hinged lid on a white background.
Opposite side of a Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box featuring carved borders and hinge details on a white background.
End view of a Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box displaying tight woven and braided carving patterns on a white background.
Carved bone snuff box end showing detailed woven and knotted relief patterns, attributed to Napoleonic POW craftsmanship.
Alternate front panel of a Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box with relief figures and textured landscape carving on a white background.
Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box reverse panel displaying multiple standing figures in relief with lattice and floral borders.
Interior view of an open Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box showing the original compartment and hand-carved lid on a white background.

Antique Prisoner-of-War Carved Bone Snuff Box | Circa 1790–1815

Descripción
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: France / United Kingdom
Material: Hand-carved bovine bone
Period: Late 18th–Early 19th Century (c. 1790–1815)

Description
This rare Napoleonic-era prisoner-of-war carved bone snuff box is a remarkable example of the intricate folk artistry produced by French POWs held on British prison hulks and at depots during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Carved entirely by hand from salvaged bovine bone using improvised tools, the box features deeply carved narrative figures, woven texture motifs, and traditional cross-hatched borders associated with documented POW carving traditions. The hinged lid opens to reveal the original snuff compartment, preserving both the artistry and functional purpose of the object. Each panel demonstrates the exceptional skill, patience, and resilience of imprisoned artisans who created such pieces for trade, income, or survival.

Features

- Authentic Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box

- Relief-carved narrative figures with traditional woven and cross-hatched motifs

- Hand-carved from salvaged bovine bone using improvised prisoner tools

- Hinged lid with original internal compartment

- Classic motifs associated with French POW bone work

Cultural Significance
During the Napoleonic Wars, thousands of French prisoners—many captured sailors—were detained in Britain under harsh conditions. Limited in resources, they turned to carving bone from food rations to create items they could sell or trade. Snuff boxes were among the most prized creations, combining everyday utility with intricate artistic expression. Today, these pieces stand as enduring artifacts of human ingenuity, perseverance, and cross-cultural interaction during a turbulent period in European history.

Condition
Very good condition for its age, with natural patina and light surface wear consistent with early 19th-century carved bone. The hinged lid functions properly, and the relief carving remains well preserved with no major losses.

Dimensions (Approximate)
Length: 3.5 in
Width: 1.75 in

Age
Circa 1790–1815 (Napoleonic Wars — British POW Carving Tradition)

Learn More

Discover comparable examples of early bone snuff boxes and POW-era craftsmanship: Bone Snuff Box – Science Museum Group

Browse more 19th-century artifacts and historical pieces at Relic & Rarity: 19th Century Artifacts Collection

Descripción

Historical Context & Origin

Region: France / United Kingdom
Material: Hand-carved bovine bone
Period: Late 18th–Early 19th Century (c. 1790–1815)

Description
This rare Napoleonic-era prisoner-of-war carved bone snuff box is a remarkable example of the intricate folk artistry produced by French POWs held on British prison hulks and at depots during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Carved entirely by hand from salvaged bovine bone using improvised tools, the box features deeply carved narrative figures, woven texture motifs, and traditional cross-hatched borders associated with documented POW carving traditions. The hinged lid opens to reveal the original snuff compartment, preserving both the artistry and functional purpose of the object. Each panel demonstrates the exceptional skill, patience, and resilience of imprisoned artisans who created such pieces for trade, income, or survival.

Features

- Authentic Napoleonic POW carved bone snuff box

- Relief-carved narrative figures with traditional woven and cross-hatched motifs

- Hand-carved from salvaged bovine bone using improvised prisoner tools

- Hinged lid with original internal compartment

- Classic motifs associated with French POW bone work

Cultural Significance
During the Napoleonic Wars, thousands of French prisoners—many captured sailors—were detained in Britain under harsh conditions. Limited in resources, they turned to carving bone from food rations to create items they could sell or trade. Snuff boxes were among the most prized creations, combining everyday utility with intricate artistic expression. Today, these pieces stand as enduring artifacts of human ingenuity, perseverance, and cross-cultural interaction during a turbulent period in European history.

Condition
Very good condition for its age, with natural patina and light surface wear consistent with early 19th-century carved bone. The hinged lid functions properly, and the relief carving remains well preserved with no major losses.

Dimensions (Approximate)
Length: 3.5 in
Width: 1.75 in

Age
Circa 1790–1815 (Napoleonic Wars — British POW Carving Tradition)

Learn More

Discover comparable examples of early bone snuff boxes and POW-era craftsmanship: Bone Snuff Box – Science Museum Group

Browse more 19th-century artifacts and historical pieces at Relic & Rarity: 19th Century Artifacts Collection

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