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The Packet Ship Telegraph

Offered by: David A. Schorsch - Eileen M. Smiles Fine Americana

Description
The Packet Ship Telegraph
Probably Massachusetts, circa 1816–1820
Oil on cardboard mounted on canvas, 23 ¾ x 33 ¾ inches, in period gilt frame
Center flag inscribed: “Telegraph”

The packet Telegraph was constructed by Calvin Turner (circa 1776–1849) in Medford, Massachusetts in 1816. Turner established his shipbuilding firm in Medford in 1804, which became a significant center of shipbuilding in the early nineteenth century, with ten active shipyards. After the War of 1812 and advancements in cargo vessel design, Medford played a vital role in the development of American merchant ships. The Telegraph was a 391-ton merchant vessel owned by Boston merchants William and Nathan Appleton, who were cousins. Nathan Appleton (1779–1861), who contributed to the establishment of the textile mill community in Lowell, Massachusetts, served as a member of the Massachusetts high court, and was a member of Congress. His former residence is located at 39 Beacon Street on Beacon Hill. William Appleton (1786–1862) was a merchant and banker who owned at least thirty-eight ships during his career. He also served as a member of Congress. The Appletons were part of a group of Boston businessmen who led the commercial banking industry and managed numerous shipping companies and markets between Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. Naming their ship after the telegraph, a new communication device, was appropriate given its significance to their merchant fleets’ operations.

Provenance:
George E. Schoellkopf Gallery, New York, 1974; Collection of Barry Cohen (1934–1990), New York; David A. Schorsch and America Hurrah, New York, 1990; Collection of Jill Iscol (1947–2022), Pound Ridge, New York, and Chilmark, Massachusetts.

Exhibited:
“Selected Examples of American Folk Painting, Sculpture and Pottery,” George E. Schoellkopf Gallery, New York, January 19–February 2, 1974.
“The Barry Cohen Collection, Part Three,” David A. Schorsch at The Fall Antiques Show, New York, October 17–21, 1990.

Published:
Advertisement for George E. Schoellkopf, The Magazine Antiques, January 1974, p. 44.
George E. Schoellkopf Gallery, Selected Examples of American Folk Painting, Sculpture and Pottery (New York, 1974), cover, as “The Packet Telegraph.”
Karen Parker Gray and Jacqueline Gonnet, “The Joy of Collecting American Folk Art: Barry Cohen,” House & Garden, June 1982, p. 97.
David A. Schorsch, The Barry Cohen Collection (New York: American Hurrah with David A. Schorsch, Inc., 1990), pp. 52–53.
Frank Miele, “Art in a Box, The Collection of Barry Cohen,” The Clarion, Fall 1990, p. 53.

More Information

Period:	19th Century
Creation Date:	1816-1820
Styles / Movements:	Other
Incollect Reference #:	815649

Dimensions

W.	33.75 in;	H.	23.75 in;
W.	85.73 cm;	H.	60.33 cm;

Message from Seller:

David A. Schorsch and Eileen M. Smiles are nationally recognized dealers in American antiques and folk art, specializing in weathervanes, folk paintings, Shaker furniture, and more. With over forty years of experience, they offer expert services in private and corporate collections, authentication, and auction representation—contact them today at 203.263.3131 or via email at contact@schorsch-smiles.com.