We use cookies to remember choices you make on functionality and personal features to enhance your experience to our site.
By continuing to use our site you consent to the use of cookies. Please refer to our
privacy
and cookie policies for more information.
A rare Napoleonic prisoner-of-war working bone model of a guillotine, early 19th century,
The carved bone five tier platform framework connected by steps with working guillotine and prisoner with two detachable heads, complete with polychromed and articulated figures including an officer, a drummer, four soldiers and executioner, the whole structure raised on four later turned wood feet, 41cm x 25.5cm x 20cm
Footnotes
One particular talented French prisoner of war who specialised in making model guillotines was named Cruchet who initially worked on French fishing vessels before being conscripted into the French Navy. His service came to an abrupt end when his ship, L'Intrepede, was captured in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and he and the rest of the crew were taken to the large prison near Peterborough, Norman Cross. Cruchet was known for his automata groups such as "Spinning Jennys" as well as the Guillotine which appealed to the Englishman's morbid fascination with the French Revolution and the "Reign of Terror". Cruchet was also a maker of ship models and he reputedly made a fine model - probably with retractable guns - which was purchased by the Prince Regent.
Literature: Clive Lloyd, The Arts and Crafts of Napoleonic and American Prisoners of War 1756-1816, ACC, Woodbridge, 2007.
This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
For all Sales categories, buyer's premium excluding Cars, Motorbikes, Wine, Whisky and Coin & Medal sales, will be as follows:
Buyer's Premium Rates 27.5% on the first £20,000 of the hammer price; 26% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £20,000 up to and including £700,000; 20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £700,000 up to and including £4,500,000; and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
VAT at the current rate of 20% will be added to the Buyer's Premium and charges excluding Artists Resale Right.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalogue.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
