Catalog Archive
Auction 126, Lot 308

"Cram's Railroad & Township Map of Montana", Cram, George F. & Company

Subject: Montana

Period: 1879 (dated)

Publication: Cram's Standard American Atlas of the United States

Color: Hand Color

Size:
28.5 x 17.6 inches
72.4 x 44.7 cm
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Rare map from the first edition of Cram's most celebrated atlas. It covers all of Montana Territory with portions of Idaho and Wyoming. Yellowstone National Park has good detail with the major geyser basins named. In Montana there are only three counties designated; Beaver Head, Jefferson and Chotaeu. The large Reserve for the Flat Head Nation is delineated. The map locates many forts, early towns, rivers and it shows topography in hachure. The map carries the date of 1879 with a copyright date of 1878. The imprint is Cram's Western Map Depot, 66 Lake St. Chicago, Ills. There was a close relationship between the Cram and Watson firms, who also published from this address. This Lake Street address was the home to Cram's publishing company between 1873 and 1879, thereafter moving to Wabash Avenue. A single page map of Nevada is on the verso.

References: Chicago Map Makers: "George F. Cram and the American Perception of Space" Gerald A. Danzer

Condition: A

A very nice example with strong color and impression on a sheet with very wide margins. Split on centerfold has been expertly closed.

Estimate: $150 - $200

Sold for: $110

Closed on 12/3/2008

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