This is an original antique steel-plate engraving titled "Columbia College, New York", depicting the historic campus of Columbia College (now Columbia University) in Lower Manhattan, New York City, as it appeared in the early 19th century. The view shows the neoclassical-style College Hall building (designed by Charles Bulfinch and completed in 1816), surrounded by trees, a manicured lawn, and period figures in the foreground, capturing a serene, idyllic academic scene typical of early American institutional portraits.

• Artist and Production Details: Drawn by Alexander Jackson Davis (American architect and illustrator, 1803–1892) and engraved by Vistus Balch (American engraver, 1799–1884). It was produced "expressly for the New York Mirror and Ladies' Literary Gazette," a prominent weekly literary magazine edited by George Pope Morris, known for its high-quality illustrations of American landmarks and culture. The imprint at the bottom confirms the 1828 publication date.

• Medium and Technique: Line engraving on laid paper (a fine, early rag-based stock with visible chain lines and watermarks, common for period prints). It is black-and-white (no hand-coloring evident from the images), with intricate cross-hatching for shading and depth.

• Age and Provenance: Dated 1828, making it nearly 200 years old. This is an authentic first-edition impression from the magazine's publication run, not a later reprint (e.g., 20th-century reproductions exist but lack the fine engraving details and paper quality). Such prints were issued as standalone supplements to the Gazette, prized by early collectors for their architectural accuracy and historical value.

• Condition: Fair overall for age, with strong impression quality and rich contrast in the engraving lines. However, there is water staining and foxing: minor spotting at the lower corners, and more significant water stain at the upper right corner (affecting about 20–25% of the top margin but not the primary image). The paper shows expected toning (light yellowing), but major tears, folds, or losses. The frame is sturdy but shows minor scuffs.

This print is a scarce survivor of early American graphic art, documenting Columbia's pre-Civil War era at its original Park Place location (relocated to Morningside Heights in 1897). It's desirable for collectors of American college history, New York City views, 19th-century engravings, or architectural prints.

Item dimensions: 12 7/8" tall × 16.75" wide × 0.5" deep  

Weight of item: 1 lb 10 oz