Catalog Archive
Auction 179, Lot 188

Two Important Revolutionary War Charts

"Carte d'une Partie des Cotes de la Floride et de la Louisiane... [on sheet with] Carte Reduite des Cotes et de l'Interieur de la Presqu'ile de la Floride, avec le Detroit de Cette Presqu'ile et le Canal de Bahama", Depot de la Marine

Subject: Colonial Southern United States

Period: 1778-80 (dated)

Publication: Depot des Cartes et Plans de la Marine

Color: Black & White

Size:
34.3 x 23 inches
87.1 x 58.4 cm
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Two important Revolutionary War period sea charts issued by the Depot de la Marine on an elephant folio sheet. These maps were prepared by the French Navy under Antoine Sartine, Minister of Marine, upon their entry in to the war on the American side. First is an elegant rendering of part of the Gulf Coast covering the region between St. Joseph Bay and Vermilion Bay. Numerous rivers, bays, islands and lakes are identified, as are the towns/forts of Pensacola, Mobile, Biloxi and New Orleans. The ruins of Fort la Boulaye, established in 1700 as the first French outpost, are shown (incorrectly) on the west bank of the Mississippi River below New Orleans. The second map covers the Florida Peninsula from St. Mary's River to St. Joseph Bay and south to the Everglades. It extends to include the Bahama Channel, the Bahamas, the Florida Keys and the northern coast of Cuba. Rhumb lines and coastal soundings further graphically enhance these attractive charts. Each chart has its own borders and they could be separated for framing as they are oriented opposite of one another on the sheet. They are generally not sold together.

The plans are remarkable for the amount of interior detail provided in light of their intended marine use.

References: Phillips (Atlases) #1211-3 & #1211-4; Sellers & Van Ee #1611 & 1621.

Condition: B

A nice impression on a sheet with a large eagle watermark, moderate damp staining, and extraneous creasing.

Estimate: $2,400 - $3,000

Sold for: $1,800

Closed on 9/16/2020

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