1085 HALF PLATE AMBROTYPE OF FAMOUS CLIPPER SHIP

SOLD
1,300.00USD+ buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2024 Aug 27 @ 11:19UTC-4 : AST/EDT
Category Antiques
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 375.00 USD
Estimated at 750.00 - 1,250.00 USD
"ORACLE"; ONLY IMAGE KNOWN TO EXIST OF THE SHIP. At the time of its construction in 1853 at Thomaston, Maine, the wooden clipper ship "Oracle" was built with tonnage of 1196 tons. When it was completed, it was one of the largest and fastest clipper ships of its time. It was captained by Charles Everett Ranlett. The Oracle was known as a temperance ship. All passengers signed a contract forbidding any liquor on board. This historic clipper ship was illustrated and described in the book "Master Mariner of Maine: Being the Reminiscences of Charles Everett Ranlett, 1816-1917". This ambrotype is of an early painted portrait of the Oracle and is illustrated in the book and is the only known surviving image of this clipper ship. SIZE: 11 1/2" w x 10" h. Image 5 5/8" w x 4" h. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: "The book titled, "Master Mariner of Maine" in which an image of this rare ambrotype exists is included with this lot. The book was limited to an edition of 300 and the date of publication was1942, also a copy of an original letter dated 1952 by Ben C. Clough (a relative and descendant of Ranlett) with his handwritten notations which attest to the provenance of the lot. The letter was originally attached to the back of the frame and is now in an archival sleeve. The lot was acquired from the descendant, John Clough." CONDTION: generally very good. (05-1136/JJ). $750-1,250.