July Catalogue Review

Here are some interesting items:

#17. Greenleaf, M. [Philadelphia, 1844] Map of the State of Maine with the Province of New Brunswick. 42 x 50 inches. Vibrant original color; fully conserved on new linen, a few mended splits and light stains but excellent of this kind. $4,800

Important edition of a fine wall map, the first to show the current northern boundary of Maine that was not settled until the treaty of 1842. Moses Greenleaf, Sr., who published the original edition of this map in 1829, has been called the “real state-maker of Maine” (Osher) for having influenced the public opinion in favor of independent statehood as a result of his publications. Greenleaf’s son and namesake re-issued his father’s map in 1844 but with important updating and corrections: “three newly formed counties, Piscataquis, Franklin, and Aroostook, were added, more than eight new towns were incorporated.” (Ristow, American Maps, p. 96) cf. Osher, Maine 175 (Exhibition Catalogue), 31.

Book collections require visual focal points. Collections come to life with displayed images because they entice the observer’s interest and raise questions that are natural entrees to a book collection. For a Maine, New-England or period collection such maps are a vital component.

#21. Martha’s Vineyard / Nantucket. Eldredge, G. [Boston, 1862] Chart of the Vineyard Sound and Nantucket Shoals... 40 ½ x 62 ½ inches. Mounted on heavy blue backing paper as issued; some repaired splits and waterstaining and small areas of loss, but very good of this kind. $4,500

A rarely seen, highly detailed navigational chart of the complex and treacherous waters in the vicinity of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. In addition to the two large islands, the chart includes the southern shore of the Lower and Mid Cape from Wood’s Hole to Chatham and also the Elizabeth Island group. Depths and navigational hazards are exceptionally well detailed throughout the chart.

George Eldridge (1821-1900) of Chatham produced his first chart (of the Chatham area) in 1851. Indicative of the quality of work of the family firm, it produced charts through 1932. However, the Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book is published to this day. “[Eldridge’s charts] survived because of good design, simplicity, and omission of extraneous shore topography, legible sounding and notes, and the use of compass courses only... Their loyal public; fishermen, coaster, tug masters, and yachtsmen, often continued to use obsolete Eldridge charts until the beginning of World War II.” (Guthorn) Thus, because of the quality of Eldridge’s work, his charts were in most instances used until worn out and then discarded, suggesting an explanation for their rarity today. Guthorn, P. U. S. Coastal Charts, p. 12.

If you collect material relating to Cape Cod, the Atlantic or boating, served in the Navy or simply have positive feelings about islands this piece may be of interest. It will certainly add visual interest to your collection.

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July Catalogue Review

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July Catalogue Review

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