Civil War Confederates Fire on Union Gunboats Port Hudson Louisiana Old Print

Description

Antique Print Description
These are two illustrations (on one dated page) entitled "
Port Hudson From The Opposite Bank Of The River"
and "
The Union Forces Entering The Breast - Works To Take Possession Of Port Hudson, July 9, 1863. - From A Sketch By Mr. J. R. Hamilton."
They were published in a Civil War era Harper's Weekly newspaper for the week of August 8, 1863. The illustrations are antique wood engraved prints published on the date stated and
Not
modern reproductions. The top print measures 3.75" x 13.75"; the lower print measures 5.25" x 13.5" and the entire page measures 10" x 15."
The prints are in very good condition with 3/8" margins and average age toning. Also, very small chip from upper left corner of page (does not effect the printed area). Please take a look at the image above for any small defects such as spots or small areas of staining. These original engraved prints were made from sketches by an eye-witness in-the-field. You may be interested in
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are those odd lines on the image a defect in the print?
Antique prints often have faint vertical or horizontal lines visible. Rather than a defect, they are a fascinating historical artifact of the popular engraving process employed by newspapers at the time of the Civil War? During the war, newspaper publishers needed a method where they could get the illustrations produced by newspaper artists in the battlefield to the American public as quickly as possible.
To do this, the illustration was divided into sections usually two inches square. Double page prints were divided into as many as 40 sections. The section was traced onto a wood block. Engravers cut into the wood with various tools creating a mirror image of their section of the illustration. The blocks were then screwed together, recreating the original illustration. This would then be inked and stamped onto the newsprint. The lines on the image above are a result of where the blocks of wood were joined together.
Will my antique print deteriorate?
Before 1870, newspapers were not made from wood pulp as they are today. Instead, they were printed on a sturdy paper made by pulping linen rags. These rags came from clothing and ship sails. Because this kind of paper contains very little acid, your antique print could easily retain its appearance for many years into the future, if handled properly.
Why do people purchase antique prints and maps?
Antique prints and maps portray a moment in history. Because they represent a broad range of subjects, they are particularly useful when looking for a unique gift. Interior design has become a huge market for antique prints. From small framed botanicals to large Civil War maps, from large framed old city views to a collection of framed Harper's satirical cartoons, antique prints provide a world of design possibility. If properly framed, antique prints and maps can be preserved for many decades.
Is this item really authentic or just a reproduction?
You can have confidence that the item you purchase is guaranteed to be an original and not a modern day reproduction of any kind.
Can I return an item I purchase?
All purchases come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.