Catalog Archive
Auction 123, Lot 247

"[Lot of 2] Plan of the City Intended for the Permanent Seat of the Government of the United States… [and] Plan of the City of Washington in the Territory of Columbia", U.S. Government

Subject: District of Columbia

Period: 1895-1905 (circa)

Publication:

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The first is a reprint of the original plan of the Federal City as envisioned by Pierre Charles L’Enfant that rests in the Library of Congress. In May of 1887, the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey was charged with the task of copying the original manuscript and making available reproductions for use in land disputes and other legal aspects relating to the territory of the District of Columbia and other national survey matters. The plan remained in the custody of the agency until it was transferred in 1918. Several variations of the plan were sold by the USC & GS from 1893 until 1991. An extensive note in the margin dated 1887 from the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey affirming the accuracy of this reproduction traced from the original "dilapidated" manuscript. (30 x 19"). L'Enfant, Washington D.C., Norris Peters.

The second is a terrific photo-lithographic facsimile by the Norris Peters Co. of the original 1792 plan engraved by James Thackara and John Vallance. The original plate is identified as No. 3035 in the upper left corner. (21.8 x 17") A fine pair of matching maps that appear to have been reissued circa 1900 based on printing method and paper.

References:

Condition: A+

Folding as issued.

Estimate: $140 - $180

Sold for: $325

Closed on 2/20/2008

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