Incrredible maps coming up at Bonhams in London and Swann in New York.

On Tuesday June 7, 2011 5 spectacular manuscript maps some on paper and some on vellum will be sold by Bonhams in London, lot 46 - a map of Pownall, MA drawn by Thomas Johnston, lot 47 - a manuscript map of Penobscot Bay in Maine, lot 48 - a manuscript map of Mount Desert Island, lot 49 - a manuscript map from Boston to Newburyport and lot 50 - a manuscript road map from from St. Stephen's River to Fort St. George  in Massachusetts!

Manuscript maps of this quality by major cartographers rarely come on the market.

Considering that a scrap illustrating the battle of Yorktown sold for $1,150,000 a few years ago, the estimates on these masterpieces seem very low.  They range in the 3000 pound to 15000 pound range.  My guess is that they will go for 10 times this.

Buying the original templates of engraved maps has long been a consuming passion.

Let's see. 

AND in New York today, Swann has the incredibly rare Romans map of Connecticut up for sale with an estimate of $3000 to $4000.  That will go for at least ten times this amount.  Have never seen one for sale before.  It is in completely unsophisticated condition - a collectors dream.

So the next few days will tell the state of the map collecting market.

Fun.

My invoice from these sales will be posted and a 5% commission for a period of 10 days will be suggested on all that is purchased by Arader Galleries.

Comments