Large Engraved Maps of Colonial America with Original Hand Color Come to Sale with Swann Auction Galleries

British cartographer Henry Popple worked on the map of North America during 1727 – 1733. It is considered a highly significant map in cartographic history. The upcoming auction by Swann Auction Galleries will feature this large engraved map of the British Empire in America with the French and Spanish settlements adjacent thereto. With harbor plan border panels, the key map has original hand color in outline and 20 engraved map sheets (15 double-page, five full-page). It also features an engraved armorial bookplate of British politician John Plumptre. Another interesting map is John Melish’s illustration of the United States with the contiguous British and Spanish possessions. The massive-sized map is segmented and mounted to the original linen back with silk edging. It tidily folds into original marbled paper self-wrappers. The Scottish mapmaker is celebrated for publishing some of the foremost maps of the US.

The sale also features John James Audubon’s “Black Bellied Darter” (Plate CCC XVI). It is a hand-colored aquatint and engraved plate Birds of America on woven paper by Audubon, an American self-trained artist and naturalist. Audubon was noted for his studies and detailed illustrations of American bird species. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Swann Auction Galleries.