Current Auction
Lot 319
Current Auction

Speed's Foundation Map of Bermuda

"Mappa Aestivarum Insularum Alias Bermudas Dictarum... / A Mapp of the Sommer Islands Once Called the Bermudas...", Speed, John

Subject: Bermuda

Period: 1676 (published)

Publication: A Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World…

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21.1 x 15.9 inches
53.6 x 40.4 cm
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This handsome map was compiled in 1622 by Richard Norwood. It is the first English printed map published in an atlas to show Bermuda divided into Tribes and Shares. These divisions designated the properties given to the 'Adventurers,' led by Sir George Sommers, who were shipwrecked there in 1609. Speed's map became the standard map of the 17th century and was copied by Blaeu, Jansson, Ogilby, and others. The title is in both English and Latin. The map was beautifully engraved by Abraham Goos in Amsterdam for Speed's Prospect, and his imprint appears below the scale of miles. The imprint of Bassett and Chiswell is at left. The map is embellished with sailing ships, a compass rose, four cartouches, and two coats of arms. English text on verso.

References: Palmer (MCC-19) #2; Shirley (BL Atlases) #T-SPE-2f.

Condition: B

A crisp impression on a sheet with a fleur-de-lis watermark, a vertical crease adjacent to the centerfold, and a few small spots. There is masking tape along the edges of the map on verso, causing tape stains on verso confined to the blank margins.

Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500

Current High Bid:
$0

Reserve: Reserve Not Met
Next Bid: $600

Bid Increments
$500 - $999$50
$1,000 - $2,499$100
$2,500 - $4,999$250
$5,000 - $9,999$500
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