Description:


An incredibly rare relic, a mezzotint engraving of George Washington, showing a three-quarter length depiction of Washington seated at a table with legs crossed, holding a map of the city of Washington with a hat in the background, listed and described as No. 229 in Charles Henry Hart's authoritative "Catalogue of the Engraved Portraits of Washington". Pictorial surface approx. 18" x 13.75", half-inch margins at the top and sides, with a 2.5 in. margin at bottom, including engraved title. Total sheet size: 15 x 21.25 in. This example, according to Rare Book Hub, has only been placed up for public auction twice: once in 1935 and again in 1972. In addition, this example could not even be found through quick search of the National Portrait Gallery, Mount Vernon, and the Library of Congress. In addition to its rarity, the portrait is known for the anonymity of its publisher. While described as being very similar to Hart No. 228 - which bears the publication line "Published June 25, 1793, by E. Savage, No. 54 Newman Street" - the mezzotint itself has been etched without a publication line and Hart himself notes the difference in quality between this piece and Savage's work. Thus, the true manufacturer has been a source of controversy. Savage's No. 228 has garnered $32,000 in 1937 and $1,330 in 2015; due to this piece's rarity, it should be all the more desirable to collectors. Linen-backed, some marginal tears with one full vertical split, very faint water stain in the bottom-left corner. Very good condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

July 15, 2020 11:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000