Catalog Archive
Auction 126, Lot 369

"Mexico & Guatemala", Mitchell, Samuel Augustus

Subject: United States, Texas & Mexico

Period: 1846 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14.5 x 12 inches
36.8 x 30.5 cm
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This uncommon pocket map was registered by H.N. Burroughs in 1846 and published by Mitchell the same year. The map is on fine banknote-style paper. The map still shows Texas as an Independent Republic, but it is not individually colored. New Mexico is shown as a small sliver of land between Texas and Sonora, extending north into the western part of present day Colorado. Santa Fe and Taos are in Texas. Upper or New California occupies much of the West, extending into today's western Colorado. The American West extends to the Pacific with Oregon Territory filling the Northwest. Austin appears prominently in Texas, along with Austin's Grant, Houston, Goliad, Loredo, Washington, and several other early settlements. Many Indian tribes are named and located. The map presents earlier geography than suggested by the date as Fremont's explorations are not in evidence: the Great Basin is bisected by the rivers Timpanogos, S. Buenaventura and Salado. Also Fremont's Pass is not shown which we have seen on other examples of this map also dated 1846. Curiously, the Pueblo de Los Angeles is also missing, but the missions of California are located. Large insets show Guatemala and the Valley of Mexico. Blank verso. Map folds into embossed and gilt-stamped leather covers (3.5" x 5") titled "Mexico". The map lacks Tanner's imprint suggesting the map was published shortly after Mitchell obtained the atlas rights from him. A rare issue.

References:

Condition: B

The map has some fold intersection splits with a small amount of loss in the Valley of Mexico inset. A little foxing and some oxidation to green.

Estimate: $400 - $600

Sold for: $1,100

Closed on 12/3/2008

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