Lot 787
[Revere, Paul] North Battery, Boston Engraving On Military Certificate. A copper-plate impression, c. 1882-1903, of an engraving originally made by Paul Revere around 1762. The impression is 5-7/8 x 8", printed in black ink on a 9-5/8 x 10"cream-colored sheet. The engraving is of the buildings and fortification of the North Battery, with the North End in the background; Christ Church is depicted, as is the part of Charlestown beyond Charles River. The North Battery was built at Merry's Point in the mid 1700s; it was destroyed in the late 1800s and the site is occupied by Battery Wharf today. "P. Revere Sculp" is at lower right of the engraving. This facsimile is described in Brigham's Paul Revere's Engravings (pp. 13-15) and is shown in plate 2.
The lower part of the engraving is an unengrossed military document: "This may Certify all whom it may Concern; that the Bearer hereof______is an Inlisted MONTROSS at his MAJESTY'S NORTH-BATTERY, in Boston, under my Command. Given under my Hand this _____ In the _____year of his Majesty's reign." Light toning; a few marginal chips, not affecting the plate. According to the Oxford Universal Dictionary, a "montross" (or matross) was "a soldier next in rank below the gunner in a train of artillery, who acted as a kind of assistant or mate." Fine.
Estimated Value $300 - 500.
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| Realized $172 |
