Catalog Archive
Auction 171, Lot 119

Montresor's Colossal Map of the Maritimes

"[On 4 Joined Sheets] Map of Nova Scotia, or Acadia; with the Islands of Cape Breton and St. John's, from Actual Surveys... ", Montresor, John

Subject: Canadian Maritimes

Period: 1768 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
56.4 x 40.6 inches
143.3 x 103.1 cm
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This impressive, linen-backed map covers the Maritime Provinces of eastern New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. It was the product of Montresor's own surveys and, despite being an accomplished British military engineer, the vast majority of the interior consists of imaginary mountains and vegetation. The map does, however, do a good job in identifying the numerous forts in the region including Fort Edward, Fort Sacville, Fort Anapolis, and Fort Laurence to name a few. It is interesting to note that while the Great Expulsion forcibly moved over 80% of Acadians during the French and Indian War, a section of French Inhabitants is noted to the north of Fort Anapolis (they were allowed to return in 1764, but few did). Along the coastlines, there is good detail of settlements, capes, ports, and numerous offshore islands, as well as soundings and anchorages in the waters. Unlike the rest of the map which appears rather sparse, Prince Edward Island (here St. John's) is surveyed and delineated to show counties and parishes, and is based entirely upon the work of Samuel Holland. The map is embellished with a large dedication to John Manners at top left and is further decorated by a scroll title cartouche at top right. Printed and sold by Andrew Dury in Dukes Court St. Martins Lane. According to Kershaw, this is the second state of the map with the land divisions present on Prince Edward Island. Issued separately on four sheets and here dissected and joined into an eastern and western sheet, each measuring approximately 28.4 x 40.6".

The map folds into a brown leather slipcase with French title that calls for this map (Nouvelle Ecosse - Partie Orientale/Partie Occidentale), along with a two sheet map of Quebec that is not present. The last name "Rocque" appears on the top of the slipcase title label in reference to John Rocque, who is known to have worked with Montresor for engraving and printing.

References: Kershaw #793; Sellers & Van Ee #312; Phillips (Maps) p. 624.

Condition: B+

Original outline color on sheets that have been dissected and backed with linen. There is scattered foxing mainly at bottom, light soiling, and a hint of toning in the lower left quadrant. Please note that the first image is a composite image - the map is dissected and joined into separate eastern and western sheets.

Estimate: $6,000 - $7,500

Sold for: $6,000

Closed on 2/6/2019

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