Antique 1857 Steel Engraving — "Storming of Stony Point" — After Alonzo Chappel, Published by Johnson, Fry & Co., New York
You are looking at an original 1857 steel engraving depicting one of the most daring military operations of the American Revolution — General Anthony "Mad Anthony" Wayne's midnight assault on the British fort at Stony Point, New York.
The caption beneath the title is Wayne's own words, spoken as he was wounded during the assault:
"March on, carry me into the Fort, and let me die at the head of the column." — Wayne.
The battle: On the night of July 15–16, 1779, General Wayne led 1,350 Continental soldiers in a silent midnight bayonet assault on the heavily fortified British position at Stony Point on the Hudson River. Wayne ordered all muskets unloaded — the attack would be won by bayonet and surprise alone. Wayne was struck in the head by a musket ball early in the assault, but refused to stop. He was carried forward by his men and entered the fort as it fell. The Americans captured the position in less than an hour, taking over 500 prisoners. It was one of the most perfectly executed operations of the entire war, and it made Wayne a legend.
The engraving shows the climactic moment of the assault — American soldiers surging over the fortifications under the stars-and-stripes, British defenders falling back in the chaos of close combat. Bayonets, flags, cannon, and the smoke of battle fill the composition. The level of detail is extraordinary, showcasing the mastery of 19th-century steel engraving.
The publisher line reads:"From the original picture by Chappel in the possession of the Publishers / Johnson, Fry & Co. Publishers, New York"
Copyright line: "Entered according to act of Congress A.D. 1857, by Johnson, Fry & Co. in the clerks office of the district court of the southern district of New York."
This print was produced by Johnson, Fry & Co. after the original painting by Alonzo Chappel (1828–1887). This is a companion piece to the famous "Putnam's Escape at Horse Neck" from the same series. Action scene subjects from the Chappel/Johnson Fry catalog are significantly rarer and more sought-after than the standard portrait plates.
Condition: Good antique condition. The engraved image is intact and legible with good contrast. Paper shows moderate foxing and age spotting, primarily in the upper right corner and scattered through the margins — consistent with 19th-century paper stored without archival protection. The central image area is largely unaffected. Period pencil notation "1858" in upper right margin, consistent with a contemporary date of acquisition. No tears or losses to the paper.
What you receive: The original antique engraving only. Not framed. Genuine 1857 print.
Ships flat between rigid cardboard, fully insured.