Catalog Archive
Auction 137, Lot 348

"[2 Sheets] Bay and Harbor of New York", U.S. Coast Survey

Subject: New York, New Jersey

Period: 1874 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
40 x 24 inches
101.6 x 61 cm
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The Office of Coast Survey is the oldest U.S. scientific organization, dating from 1807 when Congress directed that a "survey of the coast" be carried out. By 1836, it was called the U.S. Coast Survey and in 1878, the name was changed to the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. Today the Office of Coast Survey is a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA.

The survey teams, composed of civilians as well as Army and Naval officers, charted the nation's waterways and produced a wide array of reports, survey charts, hydrographic studies of tides and currents, astronomical studies and observations, and coastal pilots. These charts are an important record of the changing nature of the nation's coastlines. In additional to coastal charts, the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey produced land sketches, Civil War battle maps, and the early aeronautical charts.

Two sheet set covering the Bay and Harbor of New York from upper Manhattan south to Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook. Extremely well detailed throughout the coastal and interior area, including street level and even individual buildings. Staten Island is fully developed. Insets at bottom show offshore views of the Highland Lights, the light ship and Sandy Hook Light from different bearings. The pair will be 40" x 48" when joined.

References:

Condition: B+

Each sheet has a few splits at fold intersections with minor toning and narrow left margins, trimmed nearly to neatline.

Estimate: $170 - $220

Sold for: $120

Closed on 9/14/2011

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