24

FRANK VINING SMITH
(American, 1879-1967)
THE CLIPPER SHIP "SURPRISE"
oil on canvas
signed Frank Vining Smith, l.r.
28 x 36 in. (32 x 40 in.)

Provenance: Property of a Prominent Newport, Rhode Island Estate.

Other Notes: Bears a note on back that reads: The clipper ship "Surprise" launched in Boston in 1850, carried The California, a cargo valued at $200,000, on which the freight bill was $78,000. From San Francisco she crossed the Pacific to Canton, got a tea charter to London, and made a record passage to that port. She loaded there for San Francisco and China, got another tea charter for London, discharged that cargo in Thames, and came flying home. Her receipts for those two long voyages were sufficient to pay her entire cost and running expenses, with a profit of $50,000 to boot - a tale to make the ship owners of our times weep dismal tears. As late as 1860, most of the great fortunes in America had been made in shipping. (From an article on Yankee Clipper Cards by Willard E. Keyes in the March 1938 issue of Antiques).


  • Condition: UV examination reveals overall milky masking varnish and possible restoration of small holes in canvas; canvas lined; minor craquelure along stretcher bar.


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December 6, 2015 12:00 PM EST
Boston, MA, US

Grogan & Company

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000