Catalog Archive
Auction 192, Lot 1

"[Lot of 5] A Map of North America [and] An Accurate Map of South America [and] A New and Accurate Map of Africa [and] A New & Accurate Map of Asia [and] A New & Accurate Map of Europe", Bowen, Thomas

Subject: Continents

Period: 1780 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
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A nice matched set of late-eighteenth century continent maps:

A. A Map of North America (16.7 x 10.4"). This map of North America is interesting for its depiction of the Pacific Northwest, which is labeled Parts Unknown. Alaska is shown as a small peninsula and only a few coastal place names stretch south to N Albion. In central Canada, a series of lakes and rivers connect to Hudson Bay, suggesting a possible Northwest Passage. In the east, the British colonies are shown with boundaries extending to the Mississippi River. Louisiana is wedged between the Mississippi and New Mexico. East and West Florida are named. Indian tribes are noted throughout. Condition: There is a light stain along the left border and an edge tear in the top blank margin that has been closed on verso with archival tape. (B+)

B. An Accurate Map of South America, from the Best Modern Maps and Charts (17.7 x 12.7"). This delicately engraved map of the continent features simple interior topography. The map is full of place names and locates many native tribes. The interior is mostly blank with some notes of waterfalls and rivers in the Amazon basin. The coastal areas are well detailed, and the Galapagos Islands are noted and named, as well as a phantom island near the southern tip named Peppy's I. Imaginary. Condition: Light extraneous creasing with a few edge tears that have been closed on verso with archival tape. (B+)

C. A New and Accurate Map of Africa, Drawn from the Best Authorities, (15.6 x 13.0"). This copper engraved map of the African continent reflects very little European penetration into the interior, which is marked Unknown Country. The Nile is still shown with its headwaters in two lakes located in the Mounts of the Moon above the equator. A notation under R. Sierra Leona identifies it as the "destined place for British convicts." Reference: Tooley (MCC-47) p.28. Condition: A few faint spots, else fine. (A)

D. A New & Accurate Map of Asia, Drawn from the Most Approved Modern Maps & Charts, (16.0 x 12.5"). A finely engraved map of Asia and South East Asia filled with information. Hokkaido (Isles de Jesso) is shown as a number of small islands just below the Kuriles, while Japan has an unusual, splayed configuration. Australia is shown with most of the coastline delineated, although a portion near Peter Nuyts Land is shown as a dotted line. Tasmania is shown attached to the continent as Diemen's Ld., which is also the place name shown for the region of present-day Darwin. Condition: There is one faint spot, otherwise fine. (A)

E. A New & Accurate Map of Europe, Drawn from the Best Authorities, (16.8 x 13.0"). Well engraved map including all of Europe, Iceland, the Mediterranean, and the Barbary Coast. Towns, political boundaries, rivers, and mountain ranges are all shown. Condition: There is a small, invisible tear at lower right that has been closed on verso with archival tape. (A)

References:

Condition:

Dark impressions on bright, watermarked paper. See description above for additional details.

Estimate: $550 - $700

Sold for: $400

Closed on 4/26/2023

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