This uncommon Panama Canal issue was drawn by Charles P. Gray "Map Maker, New York", copyright F.D. Graves, 1911. It was published by the Central Novelty Company in New York for direct sale and as a promotional item, based on a known copy that carries the imprint of the Hamburg-American Cruise Line. This example carries no imprint but has a price of 25 cents on the front cover. The oblong souvenir booklet has stiff boards with faux suede thick paper covers with the same title as the map. Inside are two 4.25" x 13.25" long panels. The lower panel is a colored map titled as given above that is finely engraved with much stipple to suggest relief. It shows the entire canal from Colon to Panama [City]. At least three areas of "Proposed Fortification" are located. At this time the idea of fortifying the canal was widely debated and written on. The panel above the map is "Canal Facts" which includes a "Profile of Panama Canal." A fascinating ephemeral piece.

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Condition: A

The covers are fine as is the map. The Canal Facts panel has a little toning at edge and some tiny spots.