1840 “New Map of the City of New York With Part of Brooklyn & Williamsburg” by J. Calvin Smith

Presented is a hand-colored, engraved folding map titled “New Map of the City of New York With Part of Brooklyn & Williamsburg” by J. Calvin Smith. The map was issued bound in the booklet titled “A Guide to the City of New York; Containing an Alphabetical List of Streets, &c. Accompanied by a New and Correct Map.” This original folding booklet is framed alongside the map, at top left. The map was engraved on steel by Stiles, Sherman & Smith and published by Tanner & Disturnell out of New York in 1840.

This map shows Manhattan bordered by the Hudson River, Brooklyn, and the area of Williamsburg. Complete with vibrant hand-coloring, the map details city blocks and labels points of interest. The city’s ports are all labeled, as well as ferry lines with distances noted in yards. At top right is a color-coded key denoting development within the city, railroad lines, ward boundaries, lines of fire limits, public buildings, and distances from city hall in half miles. At top right is a decorative cartouche depicting a western explorer with a compass in-hand, posed next to a Native American and American eagle. This is an excellent early example of the developing city, with clear distinctions of newly developed buildings and a view of the foundational city structure.

CONDITION:
Overall very good condition. Map has reinforcements and repairs at folds with a few minor losses, as well as faint previous owner’s markings. Overall very good condition considering age and use, with minimal fold lines, quite vibrant coloring and minimal staining. Booklet includes original cloth covers and printed paper label. Somewhat worn with staining to covers, though it has been preserved and included in the frame at top left. The map has been removed from booklet and framed according to conservation standards in a custom-built archival frame. Framed dimensions: 30″ H x 27 1/2″ W x 3″ D.