The Capture of USS Chesapeake

Lot 71
16.06.2023 16:00UTC -05:00
Classic
Sold
$ 13 860
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUSA, New York
Archive
The auction is completed. No bids can be placed anymore.
Archive
ID 965105
Lot 71 | The Capture of USS Chesapeake
Estimate value
$ 12 000 – 18 000
The Capture of USS Chesapeake
J.C. Schetky, 1830
SCHETKY, John Christian (1778-1874). A Series of Four Views, to illustrate the Naval Action fought on the first day of June, 1813, between the English Frigate Shannon, and the American Frigate Chesapeake. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1830. (Wrapper title.)

Rare complete copy of the views depicting probably the most famous frigate action in history. During the Anglo-American War of 1812 (to 1814), the event which captured the public's imagination more than any other was the celebrated duel between H.M.S. Shannon and the republic's frigate Chesapeake. Cruising off the eastern seaboard, Captain Philip Broke of the Shannon spotted the American frigates Chesapeake and Constitution refitting in Boston Harbor. Broke challenged Captain Lawrence of the Chesapeake to come out and fight and, at about noon on 1 June 1813, the latter weighed anchor and stood out of Boston Roads accompanied by several pleasure craft. A furious action followed lasting a mere fifteen minutes; Captain Broke was mortally wounded leading the boarding party and casualties on both vessels were very high. Chesapeake surrendered to her captors and the two frigates then made for Halifax, Nova Scotia, where they arrived on 6 June. Not in the standard bibliographies. Only two copies are recorded in the auction records of RBH for the past 100 years.

Oblong broadsheet folio (486 x 583mm). Letterpress leaf with description of plates. Four hand-colored lithographed plates by Haghe after Schetky and supervised by Captain R.H. King (neatly lined, corners rounded). Original lithographed wrappers (several repaired tears, edges reinforced) bound into modern full morocco richly gilt to style (plates and wrappers re-hinged).Schetky, J.C.
War of 1812
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
20 Rockefeller Plaza
10020 New York
USA
Preview
16.06.2023
Phone +1 212 636 2000
Fax +1 212 636 4930
Email
Conditions of purchaseConditions of purchase
Shipping Postal service
Courier service
pickup by yourself
Payment methods Wire Transfer
Business hoursBusiness hours
Mo 09:30 – 17:00   
Tu 09:30 – 17:00   
We 09:30 – 17:00   
Th 09:30 – 17:00   
Fr 09:30 – 17:00   
Sa closed
Su closed

Related terms

?>