Catalog Archive
Auction 134, Lot 58

"Map of the North Polar Region", U.S. Hydrographic Office

Subject: North Pole

Period: 1879 (published)

Publication: Narrative of the Second Arctic Expedition

Color: Printed Color

Size:
31.4 x 24.3 inches
79.8 x 61.7 cm
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A beautiful example of this infrequently seen circumpolar map that documents all Arctic explorations to date, more uncommon as a segmented and linen backed edition. The map is segmented into 15 panels and mounted on its original linen. Red overprinting shows routes, locations, and important events of the major Arctic expeditions, from Hudson (1607 to 1610) to about 1880. The latest expedition shown is George S. Nares' 1876 attempt by dog-sled to reach the pole via Smith Sound and Robeson Channel and to explore the northern parts of Ellesmere Island as well as Northwest Greenland. Other expeditions noted include those of Perry, Mackenzie, Wood, Hayes, Beechey, Green, Rodgers, and Long. A large inset shows a sea view of "Wrangell Land As seen from the Bark Nile of New London, Capt. Th. Long. Aug. 14th 15th & 16th - 1867; 15 to 18 miles distance". Engraved by Wm. Bauman and published by The Graphic Co., 39 & 41 Park Place, N.Y. Map folds into self wrappers of marbled paper (6.6 x 8.8"). A lovely example in this uncommon segmented edition.

References:

Condition: A

Near flawless example with fine color, crisp impression and clean paper. Linen is fine with no flaws.

Estimate: $200 - $300

Sold for: $400

Closed on 12/1/2010

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