Scale model of the ship "Le Sphynx." , France 20th century

A model of the ship "Le Sphynx" of very high quality. The woodwork is an excellent piece of cabinetmaking; several types of wood were used, particularly for the deck, which is composed of a marquetry of small slats of two different woods, secured with tiny brass nails. This is exceptional and demonstrates a complete mastery of the tool and an understanding of the material, as nailing such narrow planks without them splitting is a feat of prodigy. It should be noted that all the gratings are made by assembling tiny wooden strips the size of a matchstick, which are also held together with about fifty bronze nails. To prevent the wood from splitting, the artist probably had to drill them before nailing them. The figurehead and the various metal decorations are also of unusual quality. All of these metal parts, representing a woman, suns, and sphinxes, are cast bronze, chiseled, and gilded with fine gold. Some parts are hammered with amatisse, a work of goldsmithing. The hull is entirely covered with hammered copper plates. According to the heirs, this model was created between 1960 and 1990, along with about fifteen others. Good condition. A few broken cables, some repaired by gluing, but it's really minor.
Dimensions with base: 18cm x 60cm x 40cm

"The Sphinx" was the French ship that brought the Luxor Obelisk back to Paris in the 19th century.