Tanner, Henry Schenck

Map of the United States of America. Philadelphia, Hemry Tanner, 10 June 1829



Dissected in 40 segments and mounted on linen (49 1/2 x 63 in.; 1257 x 1600 mm) and edged in blue-grey silk ribbon,  handcolored in outline, inset maps of 14 cities, South Florida, Oregon and the Mandan Districts (with a chart of the Outlet of the Oregon River), 2 statistical tables, and 14 profiles of portages, canals, and  railroads; light toning. Half red roan portfolio, marbled boards; upper board detached. Together with: Henry Tanner. Memoir on the Recent Surveys, Observations, and Internal Improvements, in the United States. Philadelphia: Published by the Author, 1829. 12mo (7 x 4 in.; 178 x 102 mm). Foxed throughout. Uniformly bound with the portfolio; corners worn, joints rubbed.

Graff 4062; Howes T28; Phillips, Maps p. 885; Ristow p.198; The David Rumsey Historical Map Collection, List No. 0975.001, http://www.davidrumsey.com/detail?id=1-1-2192-130114&name=United+States+of+America; Streeter sale 6:3835

Map of the United States of America. Philadelphia, Hemry Tanner, 10 June 1829 Dissected in 40 segments and mounted on linen (49 1/2 x 63 in.; 1257 x 1600 mm) and edged in blue-grey silk ribbon, handcolored in outline, inset maps of 14 cities, South Florida, Oregon and the Mandan Districts (with a chart of the Outlet of the Oregon River), 2 statistical tables, and 14 profiles of portages, canals, and railroads; light toning. Half red roan portfolio, marbled boards; upper board detached. Together with: Henry Tanner. Memoir on the Recent Surveys, Observations, and Internal Improvements, in the United States. Philadelphia: Published by the Author, 1829. 12mo (7 x 4 in.; 178 x 102 mm). Foxed throughout. Uniformly bound with the portfolio; corners worn, joints rubbed.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition. One of best early large maps of the United States and the premier map for its period, without equal until Mitchell published his Reference and Distance Map of the United States in 1834.  Tanner had engraved maps for John Melish and eventually succeeded Melish as the leading cartographic publisher in America. This was one of the most popular general maps of the eastern United States and went through successive editions between 1829 and 1850. Distances on all major roads are shown between towns, an effort that Tanner states in the Memoir (also included in this lot) caused the map to take twice as long to produce. Latitude is measured from Washington, D.C., making this a truly "American" map.