Stunning Pair of WW1 German POW 8” Cow Shinbones Carved with Roses - KNOCKALOE -I.O.M. “Legs of Man”

Here on offer is a stunning pair of WW1 German POW 8” cow shinbones carved with roses and KNOCKALOE and the Isle of Man, “Legs of Man” symbol.

depicting skilfully detailed roses.

This pair was made on the Isle of Man, by German POW’s held at the large internment camp at Knockaloe, during WW1.

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

This pair has the great addition of a carved wooden base and even a top wooden rim!

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

Some were also sold directly to the camp personnel and were traded for cigarettes, food, etc.

Each of these pieces have 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.

All the carved images are done in relief and have been carefully hand carved from the thick bone.

On the front of both, are the beautifully detailed images of flowering roses, with their leaves and stem.

On the back they are both carved with the POW camp name of:

KNOCKALOE

Along with the famous Isle of Man, “Legs of Man” symbol.

Around the top outer edge of both of them is the image of a looped hanging ribbon banner, with tassel ties.

The wooden bases have been carved to allow the shape of the bones to fit firmly in place.

Then just to add a touch of real quality the top edges of the bones have been capped with a wooden collar/rim.

They are both in truly excellent original condition, with no cracks or splits to the bone.

I have never had a pair that has the top wooden collars/rims, which are really rare to find these days, especially in this original condition.

The carvings, including the wooden bases and tops are 8.1” (20.7cm) high and together weigh 590g.

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: 52252