Lot 490: 1777 Map: Wm. Faden, British Colonies in N. America, ex. John Tyler

Rare American Revolutionary War era Map by William Faden: THE BRITISH COLONIES IN NORTH AMERICA, published London, 1777, first state, engraving with hand coloring on laid paper. This map has descended in the family of, and is believed to have been originally owned by, Virginia Governor John Tyler, Sr. (1747-1813), father of U.S. President John Tyler. Framed under glass in an antique ebonized frame with gilt sight edge. Sheet: 21 3/4 in. H x 30 in. W. Sight: 21 1/4 in. H x 29 3/4 in. W. Frame: 25 in. H x 34 in. W. Ref. Stevens & Tree 80a, Tooley’s Mapping of America; Philips, A list of Maps of America, p. 589. Note: Despite its title, this map was published a year after the United States declared Independence from Great Britain. It first appeared in Faden’s North American Atlas (London, 1777), and in the 60 years following this first edition, the map would be updated thirteen times to reflect the changing political and geographical development of the states. This map, considered the “Parent Plan” (Stevens & Tree, p. 100 in Tooley’s Mapping of America), is distinctive for showing an enlarged Province of Quebec resulting from the Quebec Act of 1774. This act, which angered colonists, was among the factors cited indirectly in the Declaration of Independence’s list of grievances (“For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighboring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies.”). The first edition, along with the other first five issues of Faden’s map, are considered extremely scarce. This is one of fewer than three known examples to come to auction in the last 20 years. 

PROVENANCE: By descent in the family of Virginia Governor John Tyler, Sr. (1747-1813).

CONDITION: Overall very good condition with full margins. A few creases, light toning and minimal foxing. Centerfold reinforced en verso. Hinge mounted with archival tape affixed to verso along upper edge.