Catalog Archive
Auction 149, Lot 256

"Cram's Railroad & Township Map of Montana", Cram, George F. & Company

Subject: Montana

Period: 1878 (dated)

Publication: Cram's Standard American Atlas...

Color: Hand Color

Size:
28.3 x 16.8 inches
71.9 x 42.7 cm
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Rare map from the first edition of Cram's most celebrated atlas. It covers all of Montana Territory with portions of Idaho and Wyoming. Yellowstone National Park has good detail with the major geyser basins named. In Montana eleven counties are designated: Missoula, Deer Lodge, Lewis & Clark, Jefferson, Beaver Head, Madison, Choteau, Meacher, Gallatin, Dawson, and Big Horn. The large Reserve for the Flat Head Nation is delineated, and Crow Nation Reserve is also labeled. The map locates many forts, early towns, and rivers and it shows topography in hachure. The imprint is Cram's Western Map Depot, 66 Lake St. Chicago, Ills. There was a close relationship between the Cram and Watson firms, who also published from this address. This Lake Street address was the home to Cram's publishing company between 1873 and 1879, thereafter moving to Wabash Avenue. The map is dated 1878, although the counties are depicted circa 1876, as Big Horn County was renamed Custer County in 1877.

References:

Condition: C+

Original color with minor offsetting, a light damp stain along centerfold at top, and a tear that enters 1/2" into map at bottom right. The map was completely separated along the centerfold and has been archivally repaired. There are several short tears perpendicular to the centerfold that have been closed on verso with archival tape.

Estimate: $140 - $170

Sold for: $150

Closed on 5/21/2014

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