THE CELEBRATED CLIPPER BARK GRAPESHOT BELONGING TO GEO. LAW ESQ. N.Y.
Currier & Ives, nd (1890s?). Item #98-0647
Small folio print, 21 x 27, dry mounted. Toned, scattered light spotting, light staining, some lighter area in the margins, fingerprints on lower margin, color still bright. The "Grapeshot" captured headlines in 1855 when it was used to pursue the murderer Louis Baker. His good friend John Morrissey had a dispute with William "Bill the Butcher" Poole, a member of the New York City gang, "The Bowery Boys." (Daniel Day-Lewis' character in the movie "Gangs of New York" was based on Bill the Butcher.) Baker killed "Bill the Butcher" and fled on the brig "Isabelle Jewett." George Law offered the use of his new clipper ship "Grapeshot{ for the pursuit. The offer was accepted and Baker was captured. He was tried three times, each one ending in a hung jury. An attractive image, this would look really nice if properly framed and matted. Conningham 875. Sold as is.
Price: $395.00