An exceptionally fine, rare and elaborate Napoleonic period French Prisoner-of-war made bone "SPINNING JENNY" circa 1793-1810.

This amazing object was made by a French sailor captured by the British during the Napoleonic Wars 1793-1810 and brought back to a prison in England. These prisoners took their weekly meat ration, primarily beef bone, and fashioned it into numerous objects which they then sold at the weekly Saturday market (authorized and approved by the wardens). The money they received went to buy better food, clothing and necessities. This fabulous piece was one of the first 'automatons' and actually had working parts. When one turns the crank, the spinning wheels turn, the heads of the two ladies move and the baby in the cradle rocks back and forth. It is extemely rare to find a "Spinning Jenny" this elaborate and in working order.