Catalog Archive
Auction 159, Lot 166

"A New and Embellished Map of the United States. Compiled from the Latest & Most Authentic Documents",

Subject: Eastern United States

Period: 1846 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
47 x 36.6 inches
119.4 x 93 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

This rare decorative wall map was compiled by Samuel Bishop Munson and engraved and published by Doolittle and Munson. It shows the eastern United States, extending to include a sizable portion of Texas, which was new to statehood at the time of publication. Two small inset maps expand the area covered by the map, depicting the southern part of the new state Florida and Oregon Country, a region that would have been of much interest in 1846 due to its soon-to-be-resolved boundary dispute. Wisconsin Territory is neighbored by a massive Iowa Territory, where notations indicate territories ceded by the Sioux, Sac, and Fox Indians to the United States government. An extensive Indian Territory appears to the west of Iowa Territory and to the north of Texas. Several tribes are identified west of the Mississippi with population figures. The map has several decorative features, including a vignette depicting the landing at Jamestown in 1607 and a stunning border that incorporates portraits of the first eleven presidents of the United States, from George Washington to James K. Polk, emblems for each of the states and territories, and small but intricately detailed views of St. Louis, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati (where Munson & Doolittle were based), New Orleans, and Nashville. There are no wooden rollers present, but the linen edging is intact.

References:

Condition: B

Original color. The varnish is toned with numerous cracks and small chips, leading to some minor image loss, the most prominent areas being within the view of Louisville and on the border around the portraits of presidents Harrison and Tyler. There is a damp stain that enters the image at bottom left and a small hole above Michigan.

Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700

Sold for: $2,400

Closed on 9/14/2016

Archived