December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
"The attack made on Tripoli on the 3d. August 1804, by the American Squadron under Commodore Edward Preble to whom this Plate is respectfully dedicated by his Obedient Servant, John B. Guerrazzi." Sold in Leghorn. Line engraving, 11 5/8 x 15 3/4 (plate) with narrow margins, matted and within glazed frame (not examined outside of frame. Second state (key to the American ships not in first state). Grolier 26. Olds 107. Robinson 42.
One of the rarest and most desirable of early American naval prints, this print was drawn and engraved by Guerrazzi, probably using sketches provided by one of the U.S. Navy officers who participated in the action and printed and marketed to naval personnel and other Americans conducting business or visiting the Mediterranean during the Tripolitan War. The small gunboats flying American ensigns were leased from the Kingdom of Naples for close-in harbor operations against the Barbary Pirates. Lieutenant James Lawrence, then 1st of the USS Enterprise (who had earlier signalized himself as part of the party that destroyed the captured frigate Philadelphia), commanded Gunboat No. 6, but during this attack, returned to command the Enterprise in the absence of her captain and was cited by Commodore Preble in his official report of the battle. Purchased from Stan Smullen in 2017. CONDITION: This example is in good condition, with light uniform toning and minor loss to the margin in lower left corner.