Alken, Henry. [Steeplechase]. The First Steeple-Chase on Record (The Night Riders of Nacton).

€ 3,500.00

Complete set of Alken's famous series, engraved by J. Harris. Scenes of a nocturnal steeplechase, supposedly performed in December 1803 by a group of young cavalry officers betting on their horses' merits: "Plate I. Ipswich, the Watering-Place behind the Barracks. Preparing to start"; "Plate II. The large field near Biles's Corner. Whoop! and away"; "Plate III. The last field near Nacton Heath. Accomplished Smashers"; "Plate IV. Nacton Church and Village. The finish - a good five still alive. Grand Chorus".

Slightly browned, but well preserved. "Splendid set" (Craven, Sporting Review, 1839, p. 312).