North America antique map by Charles Smith c1836

by Smith, Charles

Antique map of North America, with Russian Territory, British Territory, United States Territory, and Mexican State. (Russian Territory is still shown at top left, and New California is still shown as part of Mexico.)

Original copperplate-engraved map with contemporary hand-colour (from time of publication), for Smith’s New General Atlas containing Distinct maps of all the Principal Empires, Kingdoms and States throughout the World, Carefully delineated from all the best Authorities published in 1836 by Charles Smith at No 172 Strand. Charles Smith’s atlases were much in demand as they had fine geographical detail,were printed on high quality paper, and were beautifully coloured by hand. They are elegantly decorative, with soft internal water-colouring of the countries, with each region outlined with stronger watercolour for greater definition, and the map borders were also given a subtle-coloured wash.

By 1834 Charles Smith was “Mapseller extraordinary to His Majesty” (William IV). His major publications were a New English Atlas in 1804 (reissued through to 1864), and his New General Atlas first published in London in 1808, also reissued several times.

In excellent condition with good wide borders, page size is 31 cm x 40 cm (12 1/8 inches x 15 3/4 inches). To border of map measures 270 x 355mm.