Catalog Archive
Auction 160, Lot 455

"Atlantic or Western Ocean", Thomson, John

Subject: North Atlantic

Period: 1827 (circa)

Publication: New General Atlas

Color: Hand Color

Size:
24.7 x 19.6 inches
62.7 x 49.8 cm
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This large chart focuses on the important shipping lanes to North America and the West Indies. Of particular note are the tracks of Lord Nelson to the West Indies in pursuit of the French in 1805 during the Napoleonic War, as well as his return to Spain, which culminated in the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805. The tracks of the U.S.S. Insurgent are also shown, which was captured from the French by USS Constellation during the Quasi-War with France, and which famously went missing in the area of the Bermuda triangle in August 1800. The Gulf Stream According to Governor Pownall is a prominent arc spanning from Florida to the northwest coast of Africa. There are numerous notations regarding navigational hazards and sightings and the coastlines are well charted. Engraved by J. Moffat, whose imprint at bottom right has been erased in this edition.

References:

Condition: B+

Original outline color on heavy paper with "A. Cowan 1821" watermark. There is one minor spot in the north Atlantic, faint soiling, and a short centerfold separation at bottom repaired on verso with archival material.

Estimate: $190 - $220

Sold for: $140

Closed on 11/16/2016

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