Description:

WATERCOLOR OF THE BRITISH SHIP "ABERCROMBIE ROBINSON" IN DISTRESS

"Abercrombie Robinson Off the Western Isles 1st April 1833. Capt. John Innes" inscribed in ink along lower margin. Another three-masted ship in the far distance. Unsigned.

  • Provenance:
    Skinner, Inc., Massachusetts: American Furniture & Decorative Arts, Sale 2128, February 24, 2002, Lot #111.

    Notes:
    Based on the ship's history, the Abercrombie Robinson was returning from Bombay and China in 1833. She was built by Wigram's Green and Blackwell and launched November 12, 1825, 133'4" in length, 32'3" in breadth and 17'2" in depth. She was chartered by the East India Co. for four voyages between 1825 and 1831.

    November 9, 1825: Captain John Innes has been sworn in to command her to Bombay and China.
    March 16, 1827: Arrived in London.
    February 21, 1828: Sailed from London for Bombay and China.
    April 14, 1829: Arrived in London.
    1829: Sold to Captain John Innes.
    December 3, 1829: To be ready for sea.
    December 24, 1829: To sail to Gravesend and to stay there for 21 days.
    January 22, 1830: Sailed from the Downs to Madras, Bombay and China.
    April 11, 1831: Arrived in London.
    March 20, 1832: Sailed from London for Bombay and China.
    April 12, 1833: Arrived in London.
    1834: Sold to Palmers & McKillop for 8,000 pounds.
    1842: Sold to Joseph Somes, London, and hired out as a transport.
    August 28, 1842: She was carrying a battalion of the 91st regiment when a strong NW storm made her drift and run aground on Salt River Beach, Cape Town. Good discipline was maintained, and when the ship was wrecked there were no casualties out of the more than 700 souls aboard.
    1843: Broken up after being damaged by stranding.
  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 10.75" sight. Framed 10" x 12.5".
  • Condition: Lower corners clipped. Not examined out of frame or under UV light. Very slight foxing.

    The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction. 

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November 12, 2025 9:30 AM EST
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