American Revolution
1779-Dated Engraving "JOHN PAUL JONES, Commander of a Squadron in the Service of THE THIRTEEN UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA, 1779" Framed Print
1779-Dated Revolutionary War Period, Engraved Print titled, "JOHN PAUL JONES, Commander of a Squadron in the Service of THE THIRTEEN UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA, 1779", Framed, Choice Extremely Fine.
This historic print has been professionally framed under special UV-Resistant Plexiglas, housed in an antique two-tone wood frame measuring to an overall size of 18" x 13.5". The engraver and publisher of this famous print is unknown. No information appears in its engraved plate. John Paul Jones is most famous for his historic declaration during the battle between HMS Serapis and USS Bonhomme Richard, "I have not yet begun to fight!" An exceptionally nice example of this rare historic Engraving, showing a three-quarters near full-length profile of John Paul Jones (spelled here in the classic style as IOHN PAUL IONES). He is shown wearing his full American Navy uniform with his sword in a scabbard at his side, while holding a long telescope in the crook of his right arm. In the background is his Ship, the Bonhomme Richard, afire with billowing smoke (Jones won the battle against the British Warship Serapis which he captured, but lost his own ship). Jones appears to be standing at the bow of a small boat. The image size measures 12.25" x 9.75" (by sight) and the full plate size appears to be 14" x 10". Every Revolutionary War Naval collector should wish to acquire this important print. Not examined out of its frame which has rub and a few scrapes from wear. Its overall condition appears to be excellent and visual eye appeal appearance is impressive and is ready to hang on display.
Over the decades we've seen a only small number of other examples, including one in the New York Public Library. That example has a manuscript notation under Jones' name that reads: "Second in command of the first vessel fitted out in the service under Hopkins" (the Hopkins referred to there would be Commodore Esek Hopkins). The National Portrait Gallery has one. We've seen an earlier engraved state without the title below and no text beneath the portrait offered by a dealer for the price of $7,000. Our current example, being the full final state containing all engraved text present as intended is better, and is ready to hang on display.
John Paul Jones (born John Paul; July 6, 1747 " July 18, 1792) was the United States' first well-known, most famous naval commander in the American Revolutionary War.
He made many friends among America's political elites (including John Hancock and Benjamin Franklin), as well as enemies (who accused him of piracy), and his actions in British waters during the Revolution earned him an international reputation which persists to this day. As such, he is sometimes referred to as the "Father of the American Navy" a sobriquet he shares with John Barry and John Adams.
Jones was born and grew up in Scotland, became a sailor, and served as commander of several British merchant ships. After having killed one of his crew members with a sword, he fled to the Colony of Virginia and around 1775 joined the newly founded Continental Navy in their fight against the Kingdom of Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War.
Jones commanded U.S. Navy ships stationed in France and led one single assault on Britain, which resulted in a failure, and few on British merchant ships. Left without a command in 1787, he joined the Imperial Russian Navy and obtained the rank of Rear Admiral.