Catalog Archive
Auction 177, Lot 113

Covens and Mortier's Map of the Young United States, with an Early Appearance of the Stars and Stripes

"Carte Generale des Treize Etats Unis, de l'Amerique Septentrionale / Kaart van de Dertien Verenigde Staaten, in Noord Amerika", Covens & Mortier

Subject: Eastern United States

Period: 1783 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
22.2 x 16.1 inches
56.4 x 40.9 cm
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This very uncommon map depicts the recently formed United States. The title cartouche refers to the thirteen states in both French and Dutch and is decorated by an American flag with thirteen stars; thus this is one of the earliest maps displaying the stars and stripes. The map spans from James Bay to the Gulf of Mexico and from the Atlantic coast to central Texas. The states extend to the Mississippi River, and all land west of the Mississippi is denoted as Louisiane. Pennsylvania is truncated with its western boundary partially formed by the Ohio River. Florida is confined to the peninsula, leaving a large Georgia to incorporate all of present day western Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi. There is a fascinating road running from Port Royal along the coast to Fort George, near Penobscot Bay. It is unusual to see roads on a map from this period and of this scale, making this an unusual feature. The map locates select towns and cities, forts, trails, and Indian tribal territory. It has been speculated that Reiner & Joshua Ottens originally made the plate for this map in 1755 under the title Carte des Possessions Angloises & Francoises du Continent de l'Amerique Septentrionale. It was then acquired by Covens & Mortier and reworked to show the newly formed states. The map appeared in Covens and Mortier's Nieuwe Atlas and Atlas Nouveau.

References: McCorkle #785.3; Sellers & Van Ee #760.

Condition: A

A crisp impression on a sheet with a "C. & I. Honig" watermark. There are a few minor spots and a tiny abrasion in Canada near the centerfold.

Estimate: $2,200 - $2,500

Sold for: $1,600

Closed on 4/29/2020

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