Lot 93
Robert Pearsall Smith of Philadelphia was a leading publisher of lithographic maps at this time. Between 1847 and 1864 he produced some 400-500 editions of city, town and county maps. He also supplied local surveyors with special transfer paper and ink, and then contracted with various lithographic shops in Philadelphia to print copies. Smith would retain full rights and copyright from the surveyors in exchange for a specific number of maps. By the middle of the 19th century, the American map making industry expanded tremendously; a result of market demand from the growing railroads and canal systems, and westward expansion. Additionally, the tripling of the population of the United States between 1810 and 1850 increased the pool of consumers and the demanded for maps of all kinds. Pearsall filled this demand for good maps, which would be available to customers at a low cost. In the current market, these pre-Civil War maps are highly sought after items largely due to the fact that many of these maps were confiscated during the war and received rough usage in the hands of both Union and Confederate forces and few now remain. Today, comparable examples of this wall map in restored condition can sell for more than $6,500. Even examples in need of some restoration, like this one sells in the $1,000-$2,000 range. With two insetted maps: "Geological and Land Patent Map of the State of New York" & "Meteorological Map of the State of New York."; with twelve insetted city plans: Buffalo, Troy, Utica, Syracuse, Albany, Oswego, Schenectady, Hudson, Auburn, Poughkeepsie, Rochester, New York City; also with twelve pictorial vignettes of New York State towns and scenery, and a decorative floral border: size: 6 x 5-1/2 feet OR 65 x 71 ins. (168 x 183 cm.) ; "The second edition of the best map of any American state published to its time. Ristow devotes an entire chapter to the construction of this map, and pronounced it of a "higher quality than the maps of other states published prior to the Civil War." From 1853, Robert Pearsall Smith contracted with a number of local surveyors to construct maps of New York counties. In 1855 he engaged John Homer French to compile a state map from the various county maps. Although the individual county maps were not all of uniform quality, they were far more comprehensive and uniform than the local surveys conducted for any other American state. French's general map of THE STATE OF NEW YORK, first published in 1859, supplanted Burr's ATLAS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (1829) as the definitive reference for the topography of the state. It remained so until two decades later, when the U.S. Geological Survey began publishing maps based on original triangulation. This second edition was published in 1860. Despite the quality of the map, the number of copies sold was insufficient to offset costs, and in 1865 Smith sold his publication rights to H.H. Lloyd, who brought out new editions. No edition in Rumsey. PHILLIPS, MAPS, p.513. RISTOW, AMERICAN MAPS & MAPMAKERS, pp.355-78". ; before being hung again it would need to be professionally repaired; the original clear coating has all yellowed; it is now backed with old linen but still holding map together; with original wooden rollers. Please ask specific questions on details, condition, and shipping prior to bidding, ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS, and bidder will be responsible for payment. We box and ship what we can to keep costs low, and use USPS and UPS. Large items, extremely fragile, and high value items will be packed by UPS. Quotes available on request
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Dimensions:
- 67" x 73.5" Condition:
- Fair Condition with some wear, tears, etc.. on the map from age and display (see pics)
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