DIEPPE IVORY SAILING SHIP MODELS, early 1800s
From 17 century Dieppe, small town in Normandy ( France), became a major center of ivory trade and carving in Europe. Among countless intricate articles, beautiful ship models were made, especially during and after Napoleonic wars. These miniatures are often described as prisoner-of-war ship models, but completely different in style and construction. Dieppe ship models were made completely from elephant ivory brought to France from West Africa. Hull was carved as solid piece, with details attached. Even sails and ropes were made from ivory!
Miniature Dieppe ivory ship model of the frigate shown above is from our collection. The hull is only 4 3/8 in (11 cm) long.
We thoroughly research techniques of sailing ship modeling of the past and use them to create our own models of sailing vessels, made in extreme miniature sizes, comparable to smallest Prisoner of War and Dieppe models.
You can see SCHERBAK sailing ship models HERE.
© 2021 Scherbak Ship Models. All rights for text and pictures reserved.