"[Lot of 2] Trolley Wayfinder Bird's Eye View of Trolley Routes in New England [and] Tri-State Trolley Map Showing Boston & Northern and Old Colony Street Railway Companies' Systems and Connecting Lines",

This lot contains two tourist-oriented pocket maps. The first is by Geo. H. Walker, Boston, 1904, (14 x 20.5"). This is the earliest edition we've seen of this scarce and colorful bird's-eye view map of eastern New England. The trolley lines are prominently shown in red overprinting. Newport and Providence are at bottom, Boston near the middle, Portland near the top and on the horizon are Lewiston and Laconia. Legend identifies Electric Railroads, Steam Railroads, and Parks. Seven inset maps detail important routes. On the verso are four local advertisements, the other eight panels are blank: all panels contain advertisements in the 1907 edition. Folds into soft engraved covers (4 x 7.5). Published by the New England Street Railway Club of Boston. A most uncommon promotional pocket map.

The second pocket map is by Matthews-Northrup Works, Buffalo, 1910, (14 x 23.3"). The map carries the precise lines and color typical of this map-maker. The legend identifies by color the tracks of the two railroads, plus their car houses, power stations and parks. Different printed line is used to identify other electric and steam railroads, and steamer lines. The map extends from the tip of Martha's Vineyard Island north to include part of New Hampshire. The "Nation's Summer Capital" is located. Blank verso. The map folds into 24-page informational brochure, including fares, stops, photos. The brochure covers are very handsome with numerous trolley cars, fancy titling and circular map of the same area. A scarce issue.

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Condition: A

The first map is fine (A+). The front cover has been sunned but something was lying on top resulting in a portion being lighter.