Catalog Archive
Auction 117, Lot 80

"A New Map of North America Shewing its Principal Divisions, Chief Cities, Townes, Rivers, Mountains, &c.", Wells, Edward

Subject: North America

Period: 1700 (circa)

Publication: An New sett of maps both of ancient and present geography

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.3 x 14.5 inches
49 x 36.8 cm
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This handsome map features the island of California on Sanson's second model. New Albion is placed in the upper part of the island with the notation that it was discovered by Sir Francis Drake in 1577. The distorted Great Lakes are named, the Mississippi River flows into the Gulf in present-day Texas with a notation that there is a New French Settlement at its mouth, and a large mythical lake still appears in Georgia. The Northwest consists of 'Parts as yet unknown' and the map is filled with interesting notations. There are a few cities named in North America and the Caribbean, with the dates of discovery noted. The map is dedicated to His Highness William Duke of Gloucester, with his coat of arms in the title cartouche. It was drawn and engraved by Michael Burghers.

References: McLaughlin #142; Tooley (Amer) p. 128, #69, plt. #53.

Condition: B

Pleasantly toned, slightly darker on centerfold.

Estimate: $2,000 - $2,400

Unsold

Closed on 12/6/2006

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