Catalog Archive
Auction 116, Lot 291

"Honor to Whom Honor is Due Origin of Steam Navigation. A View of Collect Pond and Its Vicinity in the City of New York in 1793"

Subject: New York

Period: 1846 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
18.3 x 14 inches
46.5 x 35.6 cm
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This interesting broadsheet centers on a plan of Collect Pond, New York City and includes three vignettes of steam boats, together with text describing the history of steam navigation and experimentation. The American engineer, John Fitch, was one of the leading pioneers in the development of steam navigation. Between 1785 and 1788 Fitch built the Perseverance steamboat on the Delaware River. He then went on to experiment with a vessel using paddlewheels and screw-propellers on Collect Pond, located just north of the present City Hall. The sheet was produced by John Hutchings, who assisted Mr. Fitch when he was a young man.

References:

Condition: B

Couple of small spots in text. Issued folding, now pressed with tissue reinforced folds.

Estimate: $275 - $350

Sold for: $200

Closed on 9/20/2006

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