The Yankey torpedo [graphic]

"A sea-monster (left) discharges flames and missiles against a British vessel, represented by a corner of the deck (right), the taffrail inscribed 'British Oak'. On this stands a sailor, clapping his right hand to his posterior; his left holds his sabre, inscribed 'British Steel', with which he steadies himself, the point resting on the deck. He looks over his shoulder at the monster with a contemptuous scowl. In his round hat is a broad blue ribbon inscribed in large letters 'True Blue Dreadnought'. The monster, or torpedo, is barrel-shaped, with fanged and gaping jaws, a huge eye, and smoke, flame, and thunderbolts rising from its nostrils. On its back stands a demon holding the American flag and pointing to a skeleton, Death, which stands, clenching its fists in a pugilistic attitude, in the flames rushing from the torpedo's jaws. The demon says to the skeleton: "Grapple him Citizen and I'll play one of my Infernal capers under his Bottom." The skeleton says to the sailor: "I'll tip you a Yankey Torpedo." The sailor: "Blow up my hull indeed-- you may Kiss my--tafferal--Mr Yankey doodle--"Shiver me--I'll tip you a taste of the Shannon and send you down to old Davy." From the torpedo's jaws, among the flames, come serpents; objects discharged against the ship are a cannon, pistol, powder-barrel, &c., all emitting fire, and also crowbar, scourge, chain-shot, spear, cross-bones, shears, hammer, pincers."--British Museum online catalogue, description of an earlier state