Revolutionary War Map of Boston at Old World Auctions Sept 10-24
Published August 29th, 2008
A Revolutionary War-era plan of Boston, depicting the famous Battle of Bunker Hill (J. Murray, London, 1778), is to be auctioned online by Old World Auctions.
It is expected to pique the interest of map enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The plan shows the city of Boston with a key below. It also provides a dramatic depiction of the the iconic 1775 battle, with the American and British forces separated by the now-famous rail fence (est. $600-$750).
The auction also includes an important atlas of China with 42 maps, executed in Paris in 1737 by the renowned French cartographer Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d’Anville, it is the anticipated top lot of an online auction. The atlas constitutes the first scientific mapping of China, for the Emperor Kang-Shi. It is expected to bring $14,000-$18,000.
Other highlights include:
An incredible, large-scale chart of the West Indies, spanning from Tampa Bay in the Gulf of Mexico through the Bahamas and Caribbean islands as far south as Antigua (William Heather, London, 1757), will also be sold. The chart is filled with excellent detail, particularly in the Florida Keys and Bahamas. It is printed on three joined sheets, as issued. It is expected to hammer for $5,500-$7,500.
An ambitious atlas of the world, but concentrating mainly on the American continent (Samuel Augustus Mitchell, Philadelphia, 1854), is sure to intrigue atlas collectors. It is an unusually fine copy of a highly sought after atlas, complete with 75 hand-colored maps of the world, North America and other continents, Oceania, the U.S. and its territories, and numerous city plans (est. $6,000-$8,000).
The first separately printed map devoted to the Arctic (Gerard Mercator, Amsterdam, 1628) will also come up for bid. The North Pole is shown according to legend, as a large rock in a giant whirlpool, surrounded by four islands separated by rivers. One of the islands is noted as being inhabited by pygmies. In North America, there is an early reference, by name, to California (est. $2,500-$3,250).
Certain to draw attention because it is so unusual and rare is an early Korean wood-block map in heavy back ink, created by an anonymous artisan around 1850. The map was made in Korea, with the toponyms and explanatory text written in Chinese (typical of early Korean cartography during this period). It details the province of Hamgyong-do (est. $400-$600).
Rounding out the list of top lots are a star chart of the constellations Aquarius and Scorpio, executed in London in 1749 by Dr. John Bevis (1695-1771). Bevis was a successful physician whose interest in optics and lenses turned into an occupation. He also loved the stars, and was the original discoverer of the Crab Nebula. He began compiling his star atlas in 1746, but it was never completed and his celestial charts are exceedingly rare (est. $1,000-$1,500).
Old World Auctions’ previous sale (#124) closed on May 7, with over 800 lots changing hands. Following are top lots from the sale. All prices quoted include a 15% buyer’s premium.
To learn more about Old World Auctions, and to view the lots that will be featured in Auction #125 (on-line September 10th), click on www.OldWorldAuctions.com.
