"Plan de la Ville de Washington en Amerique [bound in] Gothaischer Hof Kalender", Ettinger, C.W.

This rarely seen map is bound into a small German calendar book for the year 1795. All streets and boulevards are shown, but unnamed. Legend at left names and locates the Capitol, President's House, La Bourse, the Arsenal, the Washington Monument, and Georgetown. The map follows Thackara & Vallance after Andrew Ellicott's plan. Phillip's reference suggests this is the first German-produced plan of the city. Engraved by Weidner. This example differs from most examples found on the market, which also include "J.G. Klinger, sc. Nor. 1794" below the neatline at right and the page number above top neatline at right.

The map is bound near the front of the fine little booklet by C.W. Ettinger, published in 1794, which includes a section devoted to a description on Washington, DC (pages 95-98 within the second numbered section). Although Washington did not become the seat of government until 1800, the city was prominently featured in numerous European publications with the hope of attracting investors.

The book also contains three portraits and 12 engraved vignettes. The first two portraits, "Louise Auguste Wilhemine Amalie, Kronprinzessin von Preussen" and "Friederike Karoline Sophie Alexandrine, Prinzessin von Preussen" are beautifully etched rather than engraved. They are finely rendered with beautiful texture from the flakes of acid-resisting 'ground' applied to the plate by the skilled etcher. Frontispiece, title, 106 pp., 122 pp., map, 15 plates, and blank calendar pages by month at back. The book (2.5" x 4") is bound in stiff marbled paper wrappers with gilt edges on all three sides.

References: Phillips (DC) PW #31.

Condition: B+

The map has a few small spots of foxing in top corners, and a binding trim to the neatline at left with a tiny adjacent binding tear. Text is overall very clean and bright, with occasional minor foxing or soiling. Covers show moderate wear, and spine is heavily cracked and chipped.