Catalog Archive
Auction 176, Lot 39

Rare Early Edition Prior to Counties Act of 1844

"Betts's Tour Through England & Wales", Betts, John

Subject: Cartographic Miscellany, Game, England & Wales

Period: 1843 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
23.6 x 26.1 inches
59.9 x 66.3 cm
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This map game leads players through 91 locations in England and Wales, beginning in Greenwich, Kent and ending in Hertford, Hertfordshire. Greenwich is notable for giving its name to the Greenwich Meridian, and is now part of the County of London. At bottom right is a comparative chart depicting the mountains in England and Wales in relation to St. Paul's Cathedral. A numbered key identifying the mountains and their height in feet is below the title cartouche. This rare, early edition was published before the Counties (Detached Parts) Act 1844, in which outliers or exclaves of counties in England and Wales were eliminated. This is shown in the counties of Northumberland and Durham, in which the northern tip of Northumberland, including Holy Island, and the area around Blyth are shown in pink just as the county of Durham. Dissected in 24 sections and backed in linen, the map folds into the original red cloth-covered boards with embossing and a printed paper label on front cover.

References:

Condition: B+

A bright example with strong, original color and light soiling. The covers are lightly worn.

Estimate: $475 - $600

Sold for: $240

Closed on 2/12/2020

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