Colonial America
Scarce 1728 Engraving "A Ship of War, of the third Rate, With Rigging & at Anchor" Published in the "Cyclopaedia"
c. 1728, Authentic British Engraving titled, "A Ship of War, of the third Rate, With Rigging & at Anchor," as Published in the 1728 Cyclopaedia, Volume 2, Choice Extremely Fine.
An "Original" British Engraving measuring about 14.5" x 13", framed to 16" x 14.75". This historic engraved print is one of the most popular to be reproduced, and is offered by many firms as a "reproduction" for framing and display. This authentic original is taken from an Engraving Copper-Plate, and was published in 1728. The Upper image shows a "Third Rate" Ship in profile, with the rigging numbered and corresponding names printed in the margins. The Lower image shows a "First Rate" Ship cutaway, with sheving and the inside numbered and corresponding names printed in the margins. The terms First and Third rate refer to the size of the ship and number of guns the ship carried. The work horse of the Royal Navy would have been the Third Rate ships while the Flagships, such as Nelsons "Victory" were the First Rate ships. These ships were so vastly expensive that they spent much of their time in port, only venturing to sea in times of great danger to the nation. Nicely professionally framed for display and viewed through special UV Plexiglas. A rare "original".