DIEPPE IVORY SAILING SHIP MODELS, early 1800s
Dieppe ivory ship model. Napoleonic frigate.
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 (above) is from my collection. The hull is only 4 3/8 in (11 cm) long.
Here is another example of Dieppe model from my collection (below).
It is 22 gun sloop of war. This model represents much rarer, large size of Dieppe-made models.
The length of the model overall is (26.5 cm). It is attached to ebonised wooden rectangular base with 4 ivory-turned round stands.
Unfortunately many original parts of this model are lost, including fore stay sail, jibes and also whole rigging lines originally made from ivory and later replaced with thread
Still, it retains many original details, including 11 square ivory sails, 22 guns, boat under towing on the port side, double dolphin striker, deck gratings, etc.
Many holes visible on the deck indicate that crew of this ship was much larger, but now lost. Only two little remaining sailors still have the watch.
It is 22 gun sloop of war. This model represents much rarer, large size of Dieppe-made models.
The length of the model overall is (26.5 cm). It is attached to ebonised wooden rectangular base with 4 ivory-turned round stands.
Unfortunately many original parts of this model are lost, including fore stay sail, jibes and also whole rigging lines originally made from ivory and later replaced with thread
Still, it retains many original details, including 11 square ivory sails, 22 guns, boat under towing on the port side, double dolphin striker, deck gratings, etc.
Many holes visible on the deck indicate that crew of this ship was much larger, but now lost. Only two little remaining sailors still have the watch.
Dieppe large ivory ship model. Napoleonic sloop of war.
In 2023 I won another Dieppe model at auction.
Small Dieppe ivory model 12-gun sloop 15.9cm long in oval glass dome with wooden base.
By the time I received it sustained even more damage and I decided to restore it
For curious reader, my restoration notes are here:
Restoration of 12-gun Dieppe ship model by Alexander Scherbak
Small Dieppe ivory model 12-gun sloop 15.9cm long in oval glass dome with wooden base.
By the time I received it sustained even more damage and I decided to restore it
For curious reader, my restoration notes are here:
Restoration of 12-gun Dieppe ship model by Alexander Scherbak
I thoroughly research techniques of sailing ship modeling of the past and use them to create my own models of sailing vessels, made in extreme miniature sizes, comparable to smallest Prisoner of War and Dieppe models.
You can see my sailing ship models HERE.
You can see my sailing ship models HERE.
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