Premier Auction - Session II
Sat, Sep 17, 2022 09:00AM EDT
Lot 1352
Edward Mielatz Yacht Racing Etching
Estimate: $800 - $1,200
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $100 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
(American, 1864-1919)
America, etched for Mr. James R Steers, 1916, signed "Mielatz" in plate and in border, etching, site 12-5/8 x 15-3/8 in.; silver gilt wood frame, 21-5/8 x 23-3/4 in.; Accompanied by correspondence see notes, matching frame, 21-5/8 X 13-5/8 in.
Note: 3. ?America?
The yacht that brought over the Queen?s cup. Now called the ?America?s Cup.? 1851.
Etching.
Mr. Wallace asked and in fact insisted upon buying this for you, but there are reasons why I cannot sell it at present as I shall explain further on. However, as he is so bent on your having it I am compromising by lending it to you. If I am at liberty to sell it later I shall be glad to give you the first call on it. On the other hand you are in no way bound to take it, when that time comes, if you don?t feel that you want it.
?America? was etched for Mr. James R. Steers whose uncle. George steers, designed her and supervised the building of the party that went over in her when she challenged for the cup. When Mr. Steers saw my ?Defender-Valkyrie? prints, he immediately gave me a commission to etch the ?America?. Fifty impressions were printed from the plate. They are to be presented to various prominent yacht clubs and public print collections. I own four proofs which I may dispose of as I see until after Mr. Steers has made his presentations. He has sent one to the New York Yacht Club, but he is ill at present and will not be able to make the rest of the presentations until next Winter.
The above is property of Mr. C. F. W. Mielatz, #422 West 160th Street, New York City.
(Letter from Chas. F. W. Mielatz - June 16th, 1916.)
From letter from Charles W. Mielatz of November 13th, 1916.
?When Mr. Wallis selected a group of prints for you, I was not in position to sell the one of the Yacht ?America?. The ?America? was made for a private purpose and was not a regular publication, and, although I own five copies and may dispose of them as I see fit, I have held mine until proper presentations have been made. I am now at liberty to sell my proofs. The price of ?America? is $200. There are 55 impressions of the plate and the five I open will be the only ones that are sold.?
Provenance: A North Carolina Collection
Condition
slightly toned; frame with light wear
