Pair of WW1 POW Carved Cow Shinbones – “19 14”- Tulip Plants - Knockaloe IOM

Here on offer is a beautiful example of a skilfully carved pair of cow shinbones, made by a WW1 prisoner of war (POW).

This pair was almost certainly produced on the Isle of Man, by German POW’s held at the large internment camp at Knockaloe.

They used what materials they had to hand and cow bones provided an excellent carving medium and they where easily obtained from the kitchens.

I believe these pieces where sold for the benefit of the internees by various Prisoner of War relief organisations, such as the well known Society of Friends.

Some were obviously sold directly to the camp personnel and where personalised as such.

Each of these pieces is a unique carving and are now classed as works of art from that period, examples of which are held in the Imperial War Museum and the Manx Heritage Centre.

Given the date on the carvings, they are a really early rare example.

The carvings are 7.5” (19cm) high and together weigh 555g.

All the carved images are done in relief and the front depicts the year date numbers, “19” on one and “14” on the other:

On the other side of each of them, are images of flowering tulip plants.

Around the base of both of them they have a brickwork finish and the tops have a collar inset with a diamond shaped pattern.

The whole carving is just in really excellent original condition with no cracks or splits.

I have had single carvings before. But never a pair that are really rare to find these days, especially in this original condition.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 50679