Napoleonic Wars French Prisoner Cribbage Board

Description

Heading :Napoleonic Wars French Prisoner Cribbage Board
Date : Early 19th century with later brass feet
Origin : The work of French prisoners of war.
Decoration : Three different woods, inset with bone. The beechwood sections have been engraved. A compartment with sliding cover beneath. The brass ends and feet are later additions
Size : 23.5cm x 4.5
Condition : Good. Wear commensurate with age.
Restoration : The playing surface has been varnished
Weight :  67 grams

Thousands of French prisoners were incarcerated within multiple camps within England, Portchester Castle, a purpose built camp in Huntingdonshire and Dartmoor prison  to name a few where they would be joined by American ‘rebels’ from the Anglo-American war of 1812-16. Most items made relate to gambling games, dice, dominoes and card games, anything to stave off the frustration of having been captured by the British Red Coats. Cow bone, pieces of wood and straw were all used, the latter fashioned into elaborately decorated boxes and sold to raise pennies to supplement their diet. They were made to work, the perfectly stone lined ditches and channels on Dartmoor are a testament to their skill to this day. Unfortunately the combination of poor diet, hard labour and Dartmoor weather lead to the demise of many.