Catalog Archive
Auction 131, Lot 195

"Mitchell's Travellers Guide Through the United States. A Map of the Roads, Distances, Steam Boat & Canal Routes & c. by J.H. Young", Mitchell, Samuel Augustus

Subject: Eastern United States

Period: 1832 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21.5 x 17.5 inches
54.6 x 44.5 cm
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This fine pocket map shows the United States west to the Mississippi River and a little beyond to include a small portion of Missouri Territory. The map is very detailed and features nine insets; namely the Vicinity of Philadelphia, Washington, Charleston, Boston, New York, Cincinnati, Albany, New Orleans plus the Vicinity of the Falls of Niagara. The labyrinth of canals and early roads are clearly shown and finely colored. The legend shows a dotted line for railroads but we can find none on this early issue. This series of maps, first published in 1832, was designed for the market represented by the burgeoning number of travelers and new immigrants. The maps were printed on thin bank note paper and folded so they could be carried easily for quick reference while traveling. This map is dated 1832 in the title making it a first edition. It folds into original red tooled and gilt covers with the original separate Index sheet which is the same size as the map. The map was "Engraved on steel by J.H. Young & D. Haines" and bears the copyright date of 1832. This is the rarely encountered two sheet wallet version of Mitchell's pocket map.

References:

Condition: B+

The map and Index sheet have been professionally conserved and backed with archival tissue and are now flattened. There is a tiny bit of paper loss along the fold in northeastern Kentucky and along the southern shore of Lake Ontario. These minor defects are not noticeable except on close inspection. The original covers are split down the spine but otherwise very nice. Index sheet has some loss at right edge to border.

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,200

Sold for: $850

Closed on 3/17/2010

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