Catalog Archive
Auction 118, Lot 443

"[Lot of 2] Map and Workings - Panama Canal [and] Map of the Republic of Panama",

Subject: Panama

Period: 1904-29 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Printed Color

Size:
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1) The first is a terrific map that details the canal. It is surrounded on three sides by an elaborate, flowing border composed of construction views of building of the canal. Above the map is a very nice elevation of the planned canal. Within the map is an inset "General Chart of the Isthmus of Panama Indicating Position of Canal." The legend uses different textures to indicate those excavations made by the M. de Lesseps Company, those to be excavated by the United States, and excavations to be done by the New Company, successors to de Lesseps. On the verso are numerous photographs of the construction, plus one of Palm Avenue Christobal Colon, and another showing the American Quarters on the coast in Colon. Long text describes the area, the history of the canal and more. Folds into pictorial wrappers with title "Official Map of Panama Canal, I.L. Maduro Jr. Photographer, Colon, Rep. Panama." The Louisiana State Museum Map Database has what appears to be the identical map (item #1238) and it gives New Orleans as the place of publication and Feb. 1904 as the date. (23 x 16")

2) This large, colorful map is strongly engraved and very graphically pleasing. It shows all of Panama and the Canal Zone. We estimated the date as circa 1929 from the hand-written date on the cover. Folds into thin, stiff pictorial wrappers with the same title. Published by I.L. Maduro Jr. Panama R.P. (39.8 x 20.5")

References:

Condition: B

#1 has one tear into map, with some slight damp-staining along folds. Wrappers a little soiled and with some paper and glue remnants, likely from mounting in a scrapbook. #2 has light color offsetting and one fold split just entering a blank area of the map. "Fleet anchorage" is written in pencil on Pacific side of the Canal. Cover slightly sunned on front.

Estimate: $100 - $200

Sold for: $300

Closed on 3/6/2007

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