Catalog Archive
Auction 146, Lot 769

"A General Map of the Discoveries of Admiral de Fonte & Others, by M. de L'Isle", Delisle, Joseph Nicholas

Subject: North Pacific Ocean

Period: 1754 (dated)

Publication: Gentleman's Magazine

Color: Hand Color

Size:
10 x 7.7 inches
25.4 x 19.6 cm
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This fascinating map details the discoveries of Tchirikow, Bering, Bernarda, Spanberg and others. The major focus of the map is on Admiral Bartholomew de Fonte's purported exploration of the Pacific Northwest. In 1708, a newly discovered account of the Spanish Admiral's 1640 expedition was published. It was actually a hoax, but thereafter the account was elaborated upon by numerous mapmakers. The extravagant claims included the discovery of the Northwest Passage and a huge Sea of the West, both shown on this map.

References: Jolly #GENT-88; Wagner #561; McGuirk #35.

Condition: A

Issued folding, now pressed with professional repairs to one short fold separation and minor soiling.

Estimate: $160 - $190

Sold for: $140

Closed on 9/4/2013

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