This lot includes two framed Steel Plate Engravings with images from the The First Steeple-Chase on Record. Steeplechases were the first form of Horse Racing, and began in England in the late 1830's. These engravings commemorate this important event in sporting history!
The First Plate has a title at the top which reads:
The First Steeple-Chace on Record.
IPSWICH, the Watering-place behind the Barracks.
PLATE I.
At the bottom of the plate is picture credit information along with a longer description:
Drawn by H. Alken.
LONDON PUBLISHED MARCH 1st 1839 BY BEN BROOKS
AT HIS ECLIPSE SPORTING GALLERY , 48, HIGH ST. OXFORD
Engraved by J. Harris.
Preparing to start ___ All sorts of Odds ___ The Grey for Choices
___ IN THE CENTRE STOOD THE GREY CHAMPION RIDDEN BY THE CHALLENGE ARMED "CAP-A-PIE", IN STRICT ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRESCRIBED ARRAY OF "NIGHT SHIRT OVERALL" ___ HIS SERVANT TAKING UP ANOTHER LINK IN THE CURB CHAIN ___ WHILST THE MAJOR STANDING BESIDE HIS BLACK "OLD TROOPER" RETURNED HIM FULL RATIONS OF HIS RAILLERY ___ LIEUTENANT LOUNGER'S NAG APPEARED TO BE GAZING IN WONDER AT THE MANY SHADOWS THROWN BY THE GRASS-BLADES WAVING IN THE MOONLIGHT AND IN AN OPPOSITE DIRECTION, THE WHITE TOP KNOT OF YOUNG SUBDEN'S NIGHT-CAP MIGHT JUST BE SEEN PEEPING ABOVE HIS SADDLE BOW, AS WITH ONE FOOT ALREADY IN THE STIRRUP HE STOOD PREPARED TO MOUNT.
Vide "THE SPORTING REVIEW" No. 1 Jan 1839
The Second Plate reads:
The First Steeple-Chace on Record.
The large field near Biles's Corner.
PLATE II.
As on the first plate, there is a long description at the bottom that reads:
Drawn by H. Alken.
LONDON PUBLISHED MARCH 1st 1839 BY BEN BROOKS
AT HIS ECLIPSE SPORTING GALLERY , 48, HIGH ST. OXFORD
Engraved by J. Harris.
Whoop! and away! ___ The Major in trouble ___ Subden's linen suffers.
___ SUBDEN WAS HERE THE FIRST OVER THE FENCE, A STURDY WATTLE WITH A DOBULE FOSSE ___ BUT HIS LOT WAS NOT CAST WITH A "WHITE" BEAN FOR HORSE AND RIDER TURNED A SUMMERSET TOGETHER AND ROLLED INCONTINENTLY INTO ONE DIRTY DITCH WHILSE MAJOR MEDLEY STOOD UPON THE FENCE AND FLUNG HIS SHIRT-TAIL TO THE WIND AS HE TUGGED AT THE "OLD TROOPER" WHO WAS STUCK FAST IN THE OTHER LOUNGER WAS THE FIRST SAFELY LANDED ___ NEXT TO HIM HANSUM ON THE GREY. ___ THEN CANNONBALL ON A HOT BAY WHOSE HEAD & TAIL WE'RE ALWAYS STUCK UP HIGH IN MID AIR ___ AND LASTLY SIMPSON.
Vide "THE SPORTING REVIEW" No. 1 Jan 1839
Both engravings have wooden frames measuring 21-1/2 inches high by 24-1/4 inches wide which are about 3/4 inches deep. Each weighs about 6 pounds, due to the weight of the glass which protects the Engravings.
The Frames show some minor wear around the edges, while the 2nd plate has the remains of a sticker on the glass which will need to be removed. The 2nd plate also has some moisture spots towards the bottom, but fortunately do not extend into the image area. It also has some dirt on the outside of the glass which needs to be cleaned.
Quite a unique collection of two prints dating from 1839! These would be wonderful in a billiards or game room.
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