This is an engraving done from a copper plate. It is etched directly on copper by the artist and is transferred to paper. The process is called engraving. It is a very rare picture for the simple reason that not many can be made from the copper plate. Supposedly it is 152 years old and was given to my father-in law back in Dec. 16 1952 by his brother. In small lettering on the bottom left is By R. Smirke R.A. & W. Hodges R.A. London, Published by R. Bowyer Historic Gallery Pall Mail June 1773, Engraved by J. Landseer Engraver to the King
A gift to my father-in law from his brother Joe back in Dec. 16 1952.
An 'original' copper plate engraving print would have a platemark in the paper, which is an indent around the image from when the metal plate was inked and pressed in to the paper to transfer the image. The print here is a printed lithograph print of a copper engraving and was likely used in a publication. Robert Bowyer (1758-1834) was the publisher; his 'Historic Gallery' exhibited the original works from which print engravings would be made and then copies published and sold by him. The original painting would have been executed by Robert Smirke (1753-1845) and then a copper engraved copy based on the painting was done by John Landseer (1769 – 1852). The year 1773 is likely incorrect, as Landseer would only be 4 years old and Bowyer only 15 years old. Stylistically, the image is done in a manner that emerged in the 1820s - 1840s. The estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparables. Retail 'asking prices' can be higher and vary.
Not sure what you mean by an indent. The entire picture is surrounded by two small lines similar to the one around this comment box except two together. The paper its on is thicker than today's paper.
Please check if there is an indent in the paper that is all around the image.