John Ericsson: Oil on Canvas Portrait, Possibly the Only Known to Exist (1803-1889) Swedish-born American naval engineer and inventor who developed the first screw propeller but more famously the Union's Monitor during the Civil War, the first armoured revolving turret warship. While the turret was designed Theodore Timby, it was Ericsson that designed and supervised its construction in 101 Days. Offered is a portrait of the storied inventor, artist unknown. Appears to have been painted some years after the Civil War. This striking and handsome portrait was professionally re-lined, cleaned and conditioned by Century Fine Art Restoration to ready for auction. 20 x 16 framed to 25 x 21" possibly in its original frame. An autograph letter signed by Ericsson is also in auction. Estimated Value $2,500 - 4,000