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Image Not Available for Private Signals of the Merchants of Boston - Respectfully dedicated to the merchants & underwriters of Boston by their obediant servant John T. Smith
Private Signals of the Merchants of Boston - Respectfully dedicated to the merchants & underwriters of Boston by their obediant servant John T. Smith
Image Not Available for Private Signals of the Merchants of Boston - Respectfully dedicated to the merchants & underwriters of Boston by their obediant servant John T. Smith

Private Signals of the Merchants of Boston - Respectfully dedicated to the merchants & underwriters of Boston by their obediant servant John T. Smith

Lithographer
Datec 1850
Object number00015529
NamePoster
MediumLithograph on paper
DimensionsOverall: 1015 × 760 mm
ClassificationsPosters and postcards
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThis engraving 'Private Signals of the Merchants of Boston' illustrates 112 colour flags with the names of each merchant printed below. The American eagle and Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts appear above. The publication was dedicated to the merchants and underwriters of Boston by John T Smith.SignificanceThis engraving illustrates the extent of the private merchant shipping industry in Boston in the mid 19th century. Many of these flags would have been seen in Australian waters, as ship transported good and passengers between Australia and America.