Catalog Archive
Auction 103, Lot 157

"Topographical Sketch of the Gold & Quicksilver District of California", Ord, E. O. C.

Subject: California Gold Rush

Period: 1848 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
15.5 x 21.5 inches
39.4 x 54.6 cm
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This is considered one of the most important maps of 1848. It accompanied the first official report of the gold discoveries and was the first map to reflect actual conditions at the mines, thus being of paramount importance to the California Gold Rush. It shows in detail the area south of San Francisco Bay (the Quicksilver area), across the Sacramento Valley and San Joaquin Plains and east to Lake Tahoe (here called Mountain Lake). Notes indicate were gold was to be found throughout the region. Lithographed by P.S. Duval, Philadelphia. The finest example we've seen of this map, which is usually toned.

References: Wheat [TMW] #565, Schwartz & Ehrenberg p. 278-9.

Condition: A

Issued folding, now backed with archival tissue.

Estimate: $500 - $600

Sold for: $1,200

Closed on 6/11/2003

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