Rare maps, atlases, more to be sold online Sept. 4-16 Hundreds of antique maps, atlases and other cartographic related items will be sold in an online auction slated for Sept. 4-16 by Old World Auctions (www.OldWorldAuctions.com), based in Sedona, Az.
Texas (1843, est. $12,000-$16,000) is an important map showing the Republic of Texas, with its panhandle extending to the upper Rio Grande valley and encompassing much of present-day New Mexico. It is one of the earliest maps of Texas to contain information from the General Land Office of Texas, with the delineation of pioneer county development and land grants.
Moses Pitt’s Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica ac Hydrographica Tabula (1680, est. $13,000-$18,000) provides a compelling view of the changing image of the world during the 17th century. The map is very rare because Pitt's ambitious atlas project was a commercial failure, resulting in his confinement in debtor's prison.
Frederick DeWitt’s Nova Orbis Tabula (1670, est. $6,000-$8,000) is a map of the world and a magnificent example of the opulent, baroque style of the 17th century. The corners are filled with allegorical images of the seasons, the zodiac and the elements, all combined within four vignettes. Cartographic myths include the islands of California and Anian, plus the imaginary Lake Parime.
Sebastian Munster's Norewunder und Seltzame their wiede un Mitnachtigen landern gefunden warden (1598, est. $1,200-$1,400) is a woodblock illustration of a variety of monsters and a fanciful cartographic curiosity, providing a glimpse into Renaissance attitudes toward the unknown lands beyond the civilized world. Most of the monsters depicted are ferocious sea creatures, devouring hapless sailors and wrecking ships.
W.T. Hornaday and the Smithsonian Institute’s Map Illustrating the Extermination of the American Bison (1889, est. $200-$300) illustrates one of the most tragic episodes in American history. The area once inhabited by buffalo is outlined in red, with green and blue regions describing the systematic destruction of these herds. When the map was published in 1889, barely 800 buffalo were known to exist in the U.S.
Rounding out the unusual lots are the Clason Map Company’s Geological Map of Texas and Oklahoma Showing the Location and Approximate Area of the Oil and Gas Fields (1919, est. $300-$400); and the Boulder Dam Service Bureau and Union Pacific Railroad’s Panoramic Perspective Map of Boulder Dam and Adjacent Areas Including Lake Mead, Valley of Fire, etc. (1938, est. $200-$300).
Old World Auctions, established in 1977, has been based in Sedona, Ariz., since 1994. The firm is a specialist auction house devoted exclusively to the art of cartography and historical graphics produced from the 15th to the early 20th century. The auctions are always held online; the firm has no floor auction. In addition to Internet bidding, phone, fax and mail bids are also accepted.
To learn more about Old World Auctions, and to view the lots that will be featured in Auction #129, (online Sept. 4th), log on to www.OldWorldAuctions.com. The firm is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an historical map or a collection, you may call them at (928) 282-3944, or toll-free, (800) 664-7757. You can also e-mail them, at Marti@OldWorldAuctions.com.
