Rare Map Auction
Published March 27th, 2007
An uncommon map of Colonial-era New England by Dutch cartographers Hugo and Carolus Allard sold for $12,320 in an online auction held Jan. 26 – Feb. 21 by Old World Auctions (OldWorldAuctions.com). A preview of the sale was held at the Miami International Map Fair in Florida, where the maps could be appreciated by collectors gathered for this important event. Prices quoted include a 12% buyer’s premium.
“This was our largest sale ever, in terms of total lots sold and aggregate sales volume,” said Diane Kelly, Customer Service Manager and Maps Specialist for Old World Auctions.”Sales were robust and interest was keen, literally from around the world. We had active, aggressive bidders from many countries, especially in Europe.”
The New England map by Allard was the sale’s top lot. Executed around 1680, the scarce map commemorated the Dutch recapture of New Amsterdam (New York) in August 1673 with a large inset (known as the “Restitutio View”). In it, Manhattan is depicted as seen directly from the east, with the Dutch army marching along the quay and a cannon firing from the fort. It provides one of the earliest depictions of the wall that was later named for Wall Street, with its guardhouse and gate. The map attracted several serious bidders, finally going to a Dutch collector who took his prize home to Amsterdam.
