Catalog Archive
Auction 176, Lot 749

Colton's Impressive General Atlas

"Colton's General Atlas, Containing One Hundred and Seventy Steel Plate Maps and Plans, on One Hundred Imperial Folio Sheets...", Colton, Joseph Hutchins

Subject: Atlases

Period: 1857 (published)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14.8 x 17.8 inches
37.6 x 45.2 cm
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Colton's massive single-volume General Atlas is considered by many to be the pinnacle of American cartography in the latter part of the 19th Century. It contains 100 steel engraved maps, including 10 double-page sheets, plus the frontispiece. It includes the desirable Territories of New Mexico and Utah depicting the region with the largest configurations of the Utah and New Mexico territories. Other important state maps featured in this atlas are the double-page editions of Kansas and Nebraska, which shows little development in the western reaches of each state; Washington & Oregon, which shows Washington Territory encompassing the region that would become Idaho; and nice maps of Texas and California. A pair of fine city plans are the single-page, uncolored Environs of London and Environs of Paris. The lovely engraved frontispiece features eight vignettes of places around the world and a world globe at the bottom with other scholarly tools. Hardbound in quarter leather with tips over tan cloth-covered boards with gilt titling and A.E.G. The atlas is complete and sound with frontispiece, title page, list of maps, text and maps.

References:

Condition: B+

The maps are very good to fine with occasional scattered foxing. The maps of Ireland, France, and city of Paris have some worm tracks confined to the margins. Title page and frontispiece have light foxing as is usual. Externally good with light staining, soiling and some rubbing especially at the corners.

Estimate: $2,750 - $3,500

Sold for: $2,000

Closed on 2/12/2020

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