Maritime Technology A First Rate Ship of War...  Alexander Hogg  c.1788

Fig 1. "A First Rate Ship of War with Rigging &c at Anchor : Fig 2. Section from Stem to Stern of a First Rate Ship of War"

Antique Copper engraving possibly by Andrew Bell (1726-1809), printed on hand made hemp and flax laid paper.

Published "According to an Act of Parliament" by Alexander Hogg, at the Kings Arms No 16 Paternoster Row, London circa 1788

Condition= Excellent, strong plate-mark on Flax/Hemp "laid" paper.

First rate was the designation used by the Royal Navy for its largest Ships of the Line. The size and establishment of guns and men changed during the 250 years that the rating system held sway. From the early years of the 18th century, the first rates comprised those ships mounting 80 guns or more on three gundecks. By end of the 18th century, a first rate could carry more than 800 crew and displaced in excess of 2,000 long tons. A first rate Ship-of-War, he stated it was  "undoubtedly the noblest machine that ever was invented"

Plate mark = 9.4 x 15.2 in (23.5 x 38 cm)