PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — Paul Revere’s engraving of the “The Bloody Massacre Perpetrated in King Street, Boston On March 5th, 1770, By A Party Of The 29th Reg’t” has been called one of the most effective pieces of war propaganda in the history of this country. It attained $120,000 at Northeast Auctions’ October 31–November 1 sale.

Revere’s intention was stir up the citizens of Boston, which he did by producing an engraving that deliberately distorted the events. This engraving was the final state, with Revere’s correction to show the correct time, 10:20. It had the LVG watermark.

The sale included some exceptional American furniture, with a Massachusetts card table selling for $74,400 and a topographical drawing of Fort William and Mary, including the town of New Castle, sold to a New Hampshire dealer for $50,400, more than eight times the high estimate. Surprising everyone, including auctioneer Ron Bourgeault, was a console table cataloged as Colonial Revival. Estimated at $800, it sold for $21,000. The buyer, when asked why, said that the table had been designed by Stanford White and its mate is in the dining room at the White House.

A complete review on the auction will appear in an upcoming issue.