Catalog Archive
Auction 132, Lot 125

"Map of the North West from Explorations by the United States Engineers & Royal Engineers of England and Union & Northern Pacific R.R. Surveys", Bien, Julius

Subject: Western Canada & United States

Period: 1870 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
41 x 15.3 inches
104.1 x 38.9 cm
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The route of the Northern Pacific Railway from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to Portland, Seattle and Olympia is detailed on this map. The map stretches from New England to the Pacific, south to include San Francisco and Denver, and into Canada showing most of British Columbia and all of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Winnipeg, Moose, Bittibee and most of James Bay. The map is remarkably detailed with all rails throughout the area delineated as well as the watershed, wagon roads and many towns named. Iso-thermal lines give the mean annual temperature in 10°F increments. With many interesting notations including the location of coal in several places, the winter home of buffaloe, and locates various land types including pasture, and timber. One notation suggest northeastern Montana is an area of "Wide & fertile Valley well timbered." Lithography by the N.Y. Lithographic, Engraving and Printing Co. of Julius Bien. The map is hand colored in outline, a rarity for the Julius Bien company.

References:

Condition: B+

Issued folding, now backed with archival tissue. Backing to support some fold weakness with areas of small loss in Nevada and Utah.

Estimate: $180 - $220

Sold for: $140

Closed on 6/2/2010

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