ARTIST: Fred Cozzens
PUBLISHER: Published by American Publishing Co., Hartford, Conn.
MEDIUM: Chromolithograph,
DATE: 1893.
EDITION SIZE: Image size 7 3/4 x 12 1/4" (19.8 x 31.2 cm).
DESCRIPTION: This chromolithograph, Plate No. 12 from "Old Naval Prints by Fred S. Cozzens," published in 1893, features three notable warships: the USS Machias (Gunboat No. 5), the USS Iowa (Battleship No. 4), and the USS Katahdin (Harbor-Defense Ram). <br><br> USS Machias (Gunboat No. 5) was a schooner-rigged gunboat, the first ship to bear the name. Laid down in February 1891 by Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, she was launched on December 8, 1891, and commissioned on July 20, 1893, under the command of Comdr. C. J. Train. Machias began her service on the North Atlantic Station before departing for the Asiatic Station in 1894. She spent the next two years protecting American interests in Korea and Japan during the Sino-Japanese War and patrolling treaty ports along the Yangtze River. After returning to the United States, she joined the North Atlantic Fleet during the Spanish-American War, participating in the blockade of Cuba and the engagement at Cardenas in May 1898. Following the war, Machias continued to serve in the Caribbean and off Central America until decommissioning in 1899. She recommissioned in 1901 and saw service in the Caribbean, Europe, and the Pacific, including operations during the Panamanian Revolution. After World War I, Machias was decommissioned in 1919, sold to the Mexican Navy in 1920, and served as a transport and coast guard ship until her disposal in 1935. <br><br> USS Iowa (Battleship No. 4) was the second ship to bear the name, representing the U.S. Navy’s transition into modern battleship design. Laid down on August 5, 1893, by William Cramp & Sons in Philadelphia, she was launched on March 28, 1896, and commissioned on June 16, 1897, under Capt. William T. Sampson. Iowa played a significant role in the Spanish-American War, particularly in the Battle of Santiago de Cuba on July 3, 1898, where she was instrumental in the destruction of Admiral Cervera's fleet. After the war, Iowa served in the Pacific Squadron and later as the flagship of the South Atlantic Squadron. She underwent several overhauls and recommissionings throughout her career, serving in various capacities, including training and patrol missions. Iowa was decommissioned for the final time in 1919 and used as a target ship for bombing and gunnery exercises before being sunk off the Virginia Capes in 1923 during experimental tests. <br><br> USS Katahdin (Harbor-Defense Ram) was an experimental ironclad ram, the second vessel to bear the name. Launched on February 4, 1893, by Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, she was commissioned on February 20, 1896, under the command of Comdr. Richard P. Leary. Katahdin was designed for harbor defense, built to ride low in the water with her bow awash, a design feature later used in early submarines. She served along the Atlantic Coast, protecting seaboard cities during the Spanish-American War. After the war, she was decommissioned in October 1898. Katahdin was eventually struck from the Navy list in 1909 and used as a ballistic experimental target, being sunk by gunfire at Rappahannock Spit, Virginia, later that year.
ADDITIONAL INFO: This piece is in an 18 x 14" mat for handling.
CONDITION: Good condition with original color.
REFERENCE:
Login / Register
Basket
