The TRUELOVE, of hull, the last of the sailing whalers

The TRUELOVE, of hull, the last of the sailing whalers

Maker Illustrated London News (Established 1842)

Date1870

Object number00028540

NameEngraving

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 159 x 238 mm, 40 g

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis engraving of the three-masted whale ship TRUELOVE featured in the The Illustrated London Newson 5 Feburary 1870. The vessel is shown under sail in arctic waters.HistoryBuilt in American in 1764 as a merchant ship, TRUELOVE was operated by an American privateer until it was captured by the British during the American War of Independence. TRUELOVE was used as a cargo ship and then as an arctic whaler after a refit in 1784 to strengthen its hull. The vessel retired from whaling in 1868, having completed 72 voyages, and was eventually broken up around 1888 - after 124 years of near continuous service.SignificanceThis engraving depicts the remarkable American built and British operated whaling veseel TRUELOVE, which completed 72 whaling voyages in 124 years of near continuous service.