In 1857, Nathaniel Currier and James Ives became publishing partners in what was to become one of America's most historically significant chroniclers of American history from the 1850's to the 1880's. Currier & Ives recorded a wide range of subjects, events, and common happenings of American life. The firm employed many well known artists, but only a few of them are credited as the creator of their own images. The hand colored prints have become highly collectible and are found in many museums. The business closed in 1907 as new printing technologies and changing tastes emerged.

DUTCHMAN, 1871

Hiram Woodruff (1817 - 1867) rode Dutchman in setting several speed records of the day. Famous in the mid-19th century, Dutchman also set the record for the three mile "time match:" running it in seven minutes and 32.5 seconds.

In 1871, the same year as this lithograph, Woodruff published "The Trotting Horse of America: How to Train and Drive Him, with Reminiscences of the Trotting Turf."

Medium : 1 print : lithograph

Created/Published : Currier & Ives, New York, 1871

Creator : Currier & Ives

HINDOO, 1881

The jockey, James McLaughlin, rode in the latter years of the 19th century. He won the 1881 Kentucky Derby on Hindoo.

McLaughlin was prepared for his races by the legendary Bill Daly, trainer of many turn-of-the-century jockeys. Rival jockey 'Snapper' Garrison once said that McLaughlin 'was the only jockey I hated to meet in an important race. He was a master judge of pace.' McLaughlin's six Belmont Stakes wins is a record that he shares with Eddie Arcaro.

Medium : 1 Print : lithograph

Created/Published : Currier & Ives, New York, 1881

Creator : Currier & Ives

KINGSTON, c.1891

This famous thoroughbred was co-winner of the unofficial American Champion award in 1888, 1889 and 1890. When he died in 1912 at age 28, Kingston was buried at Castleton Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, in a meadow. The meadow was flanked by a hedge, 12 feet high and shaped like a horseshoe.

Racing fans seem to revere his memory. In 2003, the Harness Track Association auctioned a large version of this print for $3,500.

Medium : 1 print : chromolithograph

Created/Published : Currier & Ives, New York, c1891

Creator : Currier & Ives

Frame : 1 1/4" Black. Size : 12 1/2 x 21 3/4

All three images are housed in the Currier & Ives Collection in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress.

Price: $130.00

Availability: Usually ships in one to two weeks

Product #: FR0002