"View of the United States’ Frigate Constitution, Engraved Upon a Piece of Wood Taken from One of Her Live Oak Knees in 1833" Wood Engraving, 1834

Presented is a mid-19th century wood engraving, titled “View of the United States’ frigate Constitution, engraved upon a piece of wood taken from one of her live oak knees in 1833.” The engraving was published in the “American Magazine of Useful and Entertaining Knowledge,” in Boston in 1834. The engraving accompanied an article about the ship, after its first major overhaul. As indicated in the title, the print was engraved using a piece of wood taken from the ship.

Launched in 1797, the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat. The Constitution is one of the six original frigates authorized by the Naval Act of 1794, and one of only three that were completed. Joshua Humphreys designed the ship and it was built by Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston. The three-masted ship has a southern live and white oak hull; Paul Revere made the ship's copper fastenings. 

The Constitution first saw action during the Quasi-War with France, providing protection for American merchant shipping, and then in the Barbary War from 1801 to 1805 off the coast of Africa. She earned her legendary nickname "Old Ironsides" during the War of 1812. The Constitution defeated five British warships and captured numerous merchant ships. 

Her most famous sea battle was against the HMS Guerriere off the coast of Nova Scotia in August of 1812. The British, confident in their naval prowess, initiated the engagement. However, the Constitution's superior firepower and maneuverability quickly turned the tide. During the battle, when a British cannonball bounced off the hull, a Constitution crew member purportedly shouted, “Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron.” After a fierce exchange, the Guerriere was dismasted and forced to surrender; the damage was so severe that the ship was eventually scuttled. 

The “American Magazine of Useful and Entertaining Knowledge,” was a monthly magazine based in Boston, Massachusetts, active from 1834-1837. It was established by a group of engravers to "give to the public a work descriptive, not merely of subjects, scenes, places, and persons existing in distant climes, but also of those which are to be found in our own fine and native country." It featured profusely illustrated articles on many topics, including natural history, banking, colleges, churches, technology and scientific advancements, and city updates, as well as biographical articles on figureheads of the revolutionary and federal period. The monthly paper was modelled after the “British Penny Magazine.” It was published first by the Boston Bewick Company, then by William D. Ticknor and John L. Sibley. In 1836, Nathaniel Hawthorne served as editor. 

CONDITION:

Very good condition. Wood engraving. Paper is healthy, with full margins, including publication title and page number at top, and part of unrelated article at the bottom. Engraving is unattributed. Image size : 6” H x 8” W (image). Archival framing in a custom-built wooden frame with UV glass and acid-free mat.

Framed Dimensions: 12 3/8" H x 14" W x 1" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.