The Yacht "Mallory" – 44 Tons: Built by Chas. H. Mallory at Mystic, Connecticut, 1858

Featured in this nautical print is the yacht "Mallory," a single-masted vessel rigged with a mainsail and a jib as it sails to the left. It was named for the Mallory family, who developed a successful shipping and shipbuilding business centered in Mystic, Connecticut and New York City. Founded by Charles Mallory (1796-1882), who began as a sail maker, the shipping business continued under the leadership of his son, Charles Henry Mallory (1818-1890), who was later joined by his sons in furthering the family's various shipping concerns. Charles H. Mallory, an avid yachtsman and member of the New York Yacht Club, owned several famous sailing and racing yachts. Yet, as the title of this 1861 print proudly declares, Charles H. Mallory built the "Mallory," owned by James T. Bache (1800-1862). This sailing vessel would go on to win the New York Yacht Club's 1862 Regatta for the second-class sloops division; the New-York Historical Society collection has a silver toddy kettle (made by Tiffany & Co.), which was presented to Bache to commemorate the victory of his yacht "Mallory."

Nathaniel Currier, whose successful New York-based lithography firm began in 1835, produced thousands of hand-colored prints in various sizes that together create a vivid panorama of mid-to-late nineteenth century American life and its history. People eagerly acquired such lithographs featuring picturesque scenery, rural and city views, ships, railroads, portraits, hunting and fishing scenes, domestic life and numerous other subjects, as an inexpensive way to decorate their homes or business establishments. As the firm expanded, Nathaniel included his younger brother Charles in the business. In 1857, James Merritt Ives (the firm's accountant since 1852 and Charles's brother-in-law) was made a business partner; subsequently renamed Currier & Ives, the firm continued until 1907.