ORIGINAL CHICAGO WORLDS FAIR DRAWING 1893, ENGINE 999 EMPIRE STATE EXPRESS This is not the print but rather the original drawing done for the fair in 1893 signed J.C.H. The drawing is 16"X25" and is framed in a glassed frame 25"X30". In wonderful condition. When engine 999 rolled out after being modified it had one goal and that was to make or brake 100 M.P.H before the Columbian World Exposition 1893 as part of a publicity stunt to draw in the crowds and it achieved both when newspaper and photographers lined up to witness the event. But after its run there seemed to be a lot of confusion as to its true top speed first reports were 100 mph while as you can see in one image I attached of an internal memo from the central and Hudson River rr they put it at 102.8 mph but in the end it settled on 112.5 officially. There were many photos taken of engine 999 after its run including the famous photo by A.P Yates and many prints made from these photos to promote and be displayed at the fair in 1893 which few remain. but this drawing isn't of a photo the artist drew it on site as can be seen by the intricate detail as well as being a couple yards to the right of the photographers station capturing details that weren't in any photos at that angle like the inside of the engine house threw the window. When my father in law passed away there were many prints scattered around but in his office on the wall there were 4 he treasured. 2 Clay, cosack and co. Prints next to each other: the four track system central and Hudson River R.R and The only route to Niagara Falls Central and Hudson River RR. Above that center was a Currier and Ives railroad print of a train with a fire behind it and below the 2 center was this. I took this and the 4 track print and my brother in law took the other 2. I first contacted the American historical print society that was nearby to learn something about them and see if they were of any value but when I got no response I listed the 2 as prints on eBay as auctions. Then the AHPS contacted me back a few days later eager to see the 2 prints especially this one. When I arrived he had an image of a plate etched by James dredge jr. To show me and believed I had a print from it done for the worlds fair 1893 but couldn't find an image of the actual print, but when he examined it quickly came to the conclusion that this isn't a print at all but the original drawing he may have used in conjunction with photos, a technique he like to use for his engravings. And this most likely was displayed and or sold as a souvenir at the fair. At the time he looked at it came off the wall (you can see in one photo.) only the image of the train and the title on the matting " Famouse engine 999 made 112.5 MPH may 19 1893" He suggested I take it out of the frame which I did and under the matting was another tittle and signature, it seems the artist jumped the gun on the speed and put 100 MPH before the official speed of 112.5 was settled on. This is double matted I turned the top Matt around you can see more detail but the 100 mph is still covered. In the photos you will see before it came out of the frame and pics. Of it out of the frame including the back which has 2 places with numbers in pencil and the way it is now with Matt over. Froo www.froo.com | Froo Cross Sell, Free Cross Sell, Cross promote, eBay Marketing, eBay listing Apps, eBay Apps, eBay Application
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