|
Sale 24
Manuscript and Collectibles Auction
| Documents-U.S. Revolutionary War |
| |
| |
| Lot |
Photo |
Description |
Realized |
Lot 475 |
 |
Willard, Archibald McNeal (1836-1918). "Yankee Doodle". 24 x 18 inch chromolithograph of one of America's most famous patriotic images: "Yankee Doodle," later known as the "Spirit of '76." Based on Willard's 1875 painting and published by J.F. Ryder of Cleveland, Ohio for the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. The original painting was displayed in Memorial Hall at the Exposition and chromolithographs of the painting were sold by Ryder to promote the exhibit. The success of this exhibition established Willard's fame and he was asked in later years to make replicas of the painting. This chromolithograph is from the earliest painting, in which the characters look more battle-scarred and bloodstained than in later versions. Housed in a period 30 x 24 inch wood frame, with some chipping to frame and loosening to trim.
"Yankee Doodle" (or the "Spirit of '76") is represented by characters from the American Revolution: the marching spirits of a fifer, a drummer, and a minuteman. The fifer wears a bloodstained rag around his head and blood drips down his cheek. In the background is a flag with 13 stars and stripes, and soldiers with raised bayonets follow the "spirits." Before them, a fallen soldier lifts his hat in tribute. There is some age toning in the background, and the "clouds of war" are not as dark as they were, but the image remains vivid and striking. Very Good to Fine.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
View details and enlarged photo
| Realized
$978 |
Lot 476 |
 |
1780 Account of the Capture of the Seraphis By John Paul Jones. The Pennsylvania Journal And Weekly Advertiser, Philadelphia, February 9, 1780, 16 x 10 in., 4 pages. Page 3 holds the first U.S. account of the encounter of John Paul Jones' Bon Homme Richard with the British frigate Seraphis, which resulted in the sinking of the Bon Homme Richard and the capture of the Seraphis. Part of the reason that Jones' ship sank was that it was fired upon by an American privateer in Jones' squadron--Captain Landas of the ship Alliance. Landas was later court martialed for this traitorous action and was retired from the naval service.
The entire front page, plus two columns on page 2, are dedicated to an examination (taken from The Parliamentary Register of London), of British Generals Cornwallis and Howe in their military operations against the American Army. Especially interesting is a cross examination concerning Washington's brilliant escape, when surrounded by the British Army, from Long Island to New York. Other Revolutionary War news includes the foundering of the British ship Vulture, the same ship that carried the unfortunate Major André to meet Benedict Arnold off of West Point, and the ship on which Arnold would escape. The paper is on grayish, lightly-toned paper, tattered at the edges and separated at the seam; fold lines do not affect Jones article. A wonderful addition for the Revolutionary War collector, especially for the John Paul Jones enthusiast. Rare.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
View details and enlarged photo
| Unsold |
Lot 477 |
 |
The Royal Gazette, New York, November 30, 1782. Published by James Rivington, 4 pp, 18 x 12 in. Masthead with the British coat of arms. Page 3 notes that Governor Franklin (son of Benjamin Franklin) was presented to the King an address from the New York Loyalists, and page 3 quotes Franklin as saying that he "never would accede to the dismembering any part of the British Empire." Front page ad describes a runaway being branded on the breast. Very Fine.
Estimated Value $400 - 600.
View details and enlarged photo
| Realized
$230 |
Lot 478 |
 |
The Edinburgh Advertiser, Scotland, September 19-23, 1777. 8 pages, large quarto. Pages 3-4 have copies of two letters written by George Washington to Congress, from Midden-brook on June 28 and 29, and two letters from Arthur St. Clair and other officers regarding Ticonderoga. Page one has news of Burgoyne's defeat and a 2-column story on the religious intolerance of the Puritains in New England. Light toning and soiling; faint dampstain in left margin.
Estimated Value $150 - 200.
View details and enlarged photo
| Unsold |
Lot 479 |
 |
General Lafayette's 1824 Visit to America. Three items relating to General Lafayette's visit to the United States in 1824, his first since the end of the Revolutionary War: (1) A handsome 10 x 9½ in. lithographic imprint, published by Branet of Lyon, France, with the General's name in wreathed circles around his visage (2) A small sheet 5½ x 8½ in. with three engraved portraits of Lafayette, "Engraved No. 45 Sansom Street" (Philadelphia). Laudatory titles for Lafayette include, "The Soldier's model, the Patriot's Glory" (3) later 19th century 6 x 5 in. bust. First two items are lightly foxed. (3 items).
Estimated Value $300 - 400.
View details and enlarged photo
| Unsold |
|
|