Catalog Archive
Auction 160, Lot 122

Extremely Rare Wall Map by Samuel Lewis

"A Correct Map of the United States. With the West Indies from the Best Authorities", Lewis, Samuel

Subject: Eastern North America & West Indies

Period: 1813 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
37.4 x 39.2 inches
95 x 99.6 cm
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This extremely rare wall map of eastern North America extends from Newfoundland and Nova Scotia to the West Indies and the northern tip of South America. The emphasis of the map is on the United States, whose actual borders extend farther west of this map with the recent Louisiana Purchase a decade earlier. The map was issued during the War of 1812 (1812-15) and is identified as the 2nd edition "Containing the Seat of War &c" above the top border. A large Mississippi Territory occupies present-day Alabama and Mississippi, and the new state of Louisiana makes an early appearance. East Florida is named, but the panhandle is left blank, likely due to the West Florida Controversy with Spain. Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan territories show very limited development but wagon roads connect the territorial capitals of Vincennes, Kaskaskias and Detroit. Beyond the Mississippi River, information is limited to several forts and a number of named Indian tribes situated along the river systems including Osage, Pawnee, Delaware, and Caddo tribes. A "Traders House" is located along the Arkansas River. Engraved by Hooker and published by T.L. Plowman, with title pasted on top of the map sheet. Original ribbon edges are intact, but wooden rollers are not present.

We have found no other examples of the 1813 edition in historical sales records over the last 50 years. The Osher Map Library has this 1813 edition, David Rumsey has an 1817 edition which appears to be cartographically identical, and the Library of Congress has an 1820 edition. The American Philosophical Society references an 1811 issue, which is presumably the first edition.

References: cf. Rumsey #3324; cf. Phillips (M) p. 880; cf. Ristow p. 266.

Condition: B+

Overall very good condition for the age and size of map with numerous light surface abrasions and occasional minor cracking in the image. There are small cracks and occasional chips in the blank margins along with holes in the top and bottom margin from where the map was fastened to rollers. The original linen has been extended at top to provide additional margin.

Estimate: $8,000 - $10,000

Sold for: $5,000

Closed on 11/16/2016

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