1777 Appraisal

Antiquarian Engraving of the Surrender of General Burgoyne at Saratoga N.Y. Oct. 17th 1777

This is an antique hand-colored engraving depicting the historical surrender of General John Burgoyne to General Horatio Gates during the American Revolutionary War. The print is based on the famous composition by John Trumbull. The scene features military figures in formal 18th-century uniforms with a central focus on the interaction between the commanders under a large, detailed tree. To the right, a white military tent displays an early American flag, and a large cannon wheel is visible in the foreground. The color palette consists of muted earth tones, blues, and off-whites, suggesting period ink and watercolor or lithographic washes. The physical item is housed in a simple rectangular frame with a narrow border. Notable condition issues include visible foxing, yellowing of the paper due to age (toning), and slight waviness in the paper substrate, which is common for authentic 19th-century prints. The bottom margin contains the title text: 'SURRENDER OF GENERAL BURGOYNE AT SARATOGA N.Y. OCT. 17TH 1777.' Small-format credits for the engraver and publisher are visible but difficult to read without magnification. The craftsmanship indicates a mid-to-late 19th-century production, likely intended for historical commemoration or decorative use in a scholarly setting.