this old aquatint by William Strickland of Constitution and Guerriere, why dont I see a plate mark?

I'm guessing it's a reproduction, but that's a guess. It doesn't look 200 years old. You might see a plate mark if it is original (1812), though it's not unusual for old prints to be trimmed inside the plate mark.

Here's a site that offers reproductions:
https://www.meisterdrucke.ie/fine-a...ory-Achieved,-Constitution-and-Guerri?re.html

I've found several others online, but no images clear enough, or large enough, to see a plate mark.

 

yeah but the picture Im showing here is from the USNaval history museum at this link. It has an accession number so one would think they would know what they are doing. I dunno if what Im seeing is a mark left over from the frame or perhaps a very faint plate mark.

https://www.history.navy.mil/our-co...on-vs-hms-guerriere/signal-naval-victory.html

 

I think I can see a faint platemark. It's a genuine copper engraving from 1812 so there will definitely be a platemark.

 

I didn't realize you were looking at that print. It's one of the ones I looked at online, but didn't see a plate mark. Their copy might be fully restored and conserved, which would account for its appearance. If you find one online, or at auction, don't expect it to look as good.

Here's another from this site https://clements.umich.edu/exhibit/the-war-of-1812/case-3/:


There may be plate marks in the corners, but the image isn't all of that clear:

 

Neither did I. Sunday, next time you might mention something like that, it saves extra work.

 

Im confused. Would it change your answer?

"This piece is hanging in some museum."
"Oh yes I see the plate mark now."

 

No, it gives extra information which people can look up, and it can also explain the appearance, as mos said:

That is not how it went and you know it.
It is always best to give as much information as possible.
It is also good to tell us if the item is in your possession, or if you're considering buying it, or if you are just wondering, to learn more about techniques etc.

 

How would that have saved you time? I still dont understand

 

If you had mentioned it straight away, mos could have replied about it fully restored etc in his first post. Makes sense, right?