Catalog Archive
Auction 162, Lot 98

"Map Illustrating the Extermination of the American Bison Prepared by W.T. Hornaday [bound in] Annual Report of the Boards of the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, Part II", Smithsonian Institute

Subject: North America

Period: 1889 (published)

Publication:

Color: Printed Color

Size:
17.4 x 22 inches
44.2 x 55.9 cm
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This poignant map was prepared by W.T. Hornaday for a report to the U.S. National Museum, Smithsonian Institution. It traces in red the boundary of the area once inhabited by buffalo. The area outlined in blue and green reflects the tragic and systematic destruction of these herds. The numbers in green represent the location and number of the wild buffalo in existence January 1, 1889. Barely 800 bison were known to exist when this map was published.

The map is still bound into the complete, 771 page Annual Report of the Boards of the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, Part II, which includes the 183 page report "The Extermination of the American Bison, with a Sketch of its Discovery and Life History." Includes 31 plates and numerous in-text illustrations.

References: PJ Mode Collection #1102.01.

Condition: B+

The folding map has a 4" binding tear at left that has been closed on verso with archival tape. Plates are clean and bright and text is lightly toned. Binding is a little loose, and there is light external wear.

Estimate: $300 - $400

Sold for: $220

Closed on 4/26/2017

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