Item #22355 The First Steam Boat, the Comet, Built by Henry Bell, 1811. Henry Bell, Schenck, lithographers Macfarlane.

The First Steam Boat, the Comet, Built by Henry Bell, 1811.

Edinburgh: ca. 1855. Henry Bell (1767 – 1830) was a Scottish engineer known for introducing the first successful passenger steamboat service in Europe. This is a tinted lithograph published in Edinburgh of the ship 'Comet'. She was designed by Henry Bell and built of wood by John Wood and Co. at Port Glasgow in 1812. Her engine was built by John Robertson. 'Comet' was designed to be used as a passenger ferry on the Clyde between Glasgow and Helensburgh. In 1816 she was in operation on the Firth of Forth and in 1819 was used to establish steam communication between the West Highlands and Glasgow. She ran aground at Craignish Point, near Fort William, in December 1820. Printed image 7 1/4 X 5 1/2" with small border. Sml. circular abrasion in the lower left margin, but overall very good. Item #22355

Sold