Catalog Archive
Auction 206, Lot 226

One of the First Maps to Portray Volcanic Activity in Hawaii

"Chart of the Sandwich Isles", Fisher, H.

Subject: Hawaii

Period: 1828 (dated)

Publication: Narrative of a Tour Through Hawaii

Color: Hand Color

Size:
9.4 x 7.3 inches
23.9 x 18.5 cm
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This small map served as the frontispiece to the fourth edition of William Ellis' Narrative of a Tour Through Hawaii. It names each of the Hawaiian islands, as well as several towns, bays and mountains. Topography is rendered with hachuring, and there is an inset of Oahu at lower left. A note regarding the death of Capt. Cook appears in Kearakekua Bay, on the southwestern side of the island of Hawaii. The maps in Ellis' work are notable as the first to portray volcanic activity in Hawaii.

References:

Condition: B

Issued folding and now flattened and backed with tissue. There is some light toning and a bit of offsetting. A small binding trim in the lower left margin has been replaced with paper.

Estimate: $180 - $220

Sold for: $140

Closed on 11/12/2025

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