Antique Maps, Charts, Atlases and Globes for Sale at Auction

This colorful pictorial map was produced as a companion map to the depression-era children's radio show "The Young Forty-Niners." Kids could follow the progress of Captain Sam's and Jed Carson's wagon train moving west from Independence, Missouri, to the gold fields of California as enacted on the weekly show. The show brought to life for children the wagon trip west and adventures in the California Gold Rush of 1849. The program was sponsored by the Colgate Palmolive Peet Company. The title cartouche features a wagon train and map of the United States. Below the title the note "A radio program brought you by the makers of Colgate's Ribbon Dental Cream." The map shows the dangers of the west including rattlesnakes, puma, Gila monsters, etc. Remarks on numerous Indian tribes as to their disposition toward friendliness or hostility, their commerce, and trade. A wagon train crossing Nevada driven by a skeleton with the notation "Deater Rides with the Caravan all along this Route." A letter on verso is to the child from Captain Sam and the Indian scout Abe Carson. Also signed with Swift Eagles mark and Shep's footprint. Folding, the map includes its original pictorial mailing envelope with a stretched buffalo hide for the address area with "To a Young Forty-Niner" above. The fanciful map and envelope were created by H.C. Holling. A fascinating children's map produced in the middle of America's Great Depression.

The map is very good with just two tiny holes at fold intersections. Envelope has a small hole at front and torn section under closing flap on verso.