4684

Dated 1869

IMPORTANT SHADOW BOX DIORAMA OF PILOT BOAT NO. 8 ESCORTING A SHIP INTO STATEN ISLAND

A rare and early signed and dated example. Depicts the famous and celebrated Pilot Boat No. 8 approaching a square-rigged American merchant ship in New York Harbor, with a small rowboat with oarsmen in the foreground. The pilot boat is flying an "Isaac Webb" banner off the gaff and an American flag from the main mast. The merchant ship is flying an American flag, an American merchant flag and an American pennant, and has five well-detailed sailors in merchant uniform standing on the bow. Well-constructed hulls, decks and sails made from paper and cardboard. Painted sky and water. Signed lower right "T. Sanderwick, Staten Island Sept. 22nd, 1869". Not only is this one of the earliest signed and dated dioramas we have seen, it is of the highest quality and has a remarkable 3D effect. Housed in its original wood frame with gold liner and original glass.
Height 21.5". Width 27.5".
Condition: Tear to canvas background, left side. One sail loose and needs to be reattached.

The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction. 

  • Provenance: Notes:
    William Webb was considered one of America's leading designers and builders of merchant and sailing ships. In 1860 he designed a pilot boat for New York Harbor and named it after his father, Isaac Webb. The Isaac Webb was 95 tons, 72 feet in length, 20 feet in breadth and she drew 7 feet. See Merchant Sail 1876-1947 Volume V by William Armstrong Fairburn, p. 2803.

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August 11, 2023 9:30 AM EDT
East Dennis, MA, US

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