1806 Map of Red River Area Sells Online For $34,720 A rare map of the Red River region of Louisiana, executed in 1806 by Nicholas King and one of only a few in existence, sold for $34,720 in an online auction held by Old World Auctions of Sedona, Az.
News-Antique.com - Nov 30,-0001 - 1806 MAP OF THE RED RIVER IN LOUISIANA, ONE OF ONLY A FEW
IN EXISTENCE, REALIZES $34,720 AT OLD WORLD AUCTIONS SALE
Two-week online auction deemed a success; next sale is slated for Jan.-Feb. '07
(Sedona, Az.) -A rare map of the Red River region of Louisiana, executed in 1806 by Nicholas King and one of only a few in existence, sold for $34,720 in an online auction held Nov. 26-Dec. 6 by Old World Auctions (OldWorldAuctions.com) of Sedona, Az. It was the top lot in a sale that saw many old and rare maps change hands. Prices quoted include a 12% buyer's premium.
“This map is particularly rare because only a few were made at all,” explained Marti Griggs, who, with her husband Curt, own and operate Old World Auctions. “It was drawn to record the exploration of part of the territory acquired in the Louisiana Purchase only three years earlier. The expedition was intercepted by the Spanish cavalry, which also laid claim to the region.”
A battle was even fought over the territory. After a brief skirmish, the Americans withdrew. Because of the political sensitivity surrounding the encounter with the Spanish, the report of the exploration was kept secret. That explains why only a few of the Red River maps were printed.
“That's what's so interesting about our business,” Griggs pointed out. “There is a story behind every map we offer.” She added the map collecting genre is small but growing. “It's a good time to jump in,” she said. “Prices are reasonable. You can find a bargain. It's not like everything costs thousands of dollars. You can buy a wonderful piece of history for less than that.”
Case in point: a geography textbook written for children by none other than Harriet Beecher Stowe (author of the classic “Uncle Tom's Cabin” in 1850). The book, Ms. Beecher's first writing effort and published in 1833 when she was just 22 years old, featured nine full-page uncolored maps and a charming vignette of Yale University (her father's alma mater). Final gavel price: just $950.
In other highlights:
One of the most important 16th century maps of the New World – credited with popularizing the name America – went to an eager bidder for $7,280. In the map, executed in 1552 by Sebastian Munster, North America is oddly shaped, with no California. Japan (called Zipangri) is shown only a short distance off the West Coast. Decorations include Magellan's ship, the Victoria.
A striking rendering of Bermuda, based on a famous survey of the island by Richard Norwood of the Bermuda Company and made around 1647, sold for $2,240. The map showed the original Tribes (later known as administrative parishes) and many tiny houses were also depicted. Minute cannons marked defense positions.
A nice map of Texas (as a Republic), published in 1846 and executed by W. Kemble, garnered a winning bid of $2,128. Showing an uncertain western border, the map was a wonderful illustration of the early Texas colonies and Mexican
