Description: This is an original May, 1805 William Birch engraving of the Schuylkill River Bridge, High Street (Market St.) Philadelphia. It was engraved by Samuel Seymour like a number of Birch's views were back then. There are four known states of this print with various changes to the image, as well as a circa 1860 McAllister restrike, but this one is the first state issued by Birch in May of 1805. These are quite rare in any state (I am an expert on graphic art and especially on Birch's prints). Cannot say that I run across these often at all. This is the first I have seen in over 25 years. There are no other copies available for sale or in collections that I can find in my online searching! No auction records either but for one at a Phila. auction and I examined that copy and found it was a restrike. Printed on woven rag paper with a tear 6 inches into the center as well as a horizontal fold 1.5 inches along top of image. Laid down a long time ago onto what, under magnification, looks to be thin rag board about .040" thick. Period color. About 3/8" margins. Tear just into image at upper right. Old folds at lower left. Damp staining in lower margin. I know it is not the finest copy but it is the finest copy available for sale right now. None in any inventory; not even one in the Library of Congress! Archival framing in 19th century mahogany veneer frame that measures 19 1/4 by 16 1/2 inches. Published and sold by W. Birch, 22 South Sixth St., Phila. May 1805 at lower left. I can ship it or deliver it within 30 miles of Langhorne, PA.
Price: 3750 USD
Location: Levittown, Pennsylvania
End Time: 2024-11-18T18:45:43.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Artist: Birch
Type: Print
Year of Production: 1805
Production Technique: Copper Engraving
Original/Licensed Reprint: Original
Subject: Cityscapes
