N. CURRIER after F. Palmer ROYAL MAIL STEAM SHIP, ARABIA A hand coloured lithograph by N. Currier after the painting by F. Palmer, published in New York in 1853. This magnificent lithograph captures all the romance of the early steam ships that traversed the Atlantic in the middle of the nineteenth century carrying both passengers and the mail. The term “Royal Mail Steam Ship” dates from 1840. From the outset it conferred a sense of quality and efficiency as it was considered imperative that the post between England and America should arrive on time. In 1839 a Canadian called Samuel Cunard was awarded the first contract to transport mail across the Atlantic and The Arabia began life as part of The Cunard Line. 29¾ x 22¾ inches Framed |