Recently unpacked from the stash : Antique 18th-19th Century Books : 
Offered in this auction : 
 
 PACIFIC RAILROAD SURVEYS 
 
REPORTS 
(of)
EXPLORATION AND SURVEYS  
(from the)
Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean
1853-55
Volume XII Bk II
Washington
Thomas Ford, Printer
1860
 
This is part of a monumental 12-volume set commissioned by the US government between 1853 - 1855 to find the most "practical and economical" route for a transcontinental railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. It was not presented to the Senate until 1860 and was the first comprehensive effort to document the American West. 
 
This specific volume explored the possibility of a Northern route and contains numerous detailed lithographs of flora and fauna of the Pacific Northwest. 
 
This book is 166-years old and it has some obvious condition issues: 
  • Front cover is detached and rear cover is held on by the pastedown endpaper; 
  • Spine cover with title information is missing;  
  • Some degree of foxing / discoloration (minimal to severe) is present throughout the text block; 
  • Other normal age-related handling/storage wear; 
  • Front free endpapers before title page missing;
  • There are missing plates - only 5 bird lithos are present;
  • No inscriptions or other writing noted; 
  • Several of the plates (see snakes) have been painted (photos); 
  • There were originally maps at the rear of the book - they are missing.
This is a significantly damaged volume and is being sold "as is."  
  
I've provided as many photos as eBay allows so you can better judge overall condition and content. Photos are of the actual item you will receive and should be considered part of the listing description. Contact me if you have any questions or need additional photos.
 
Books are always carefully packed and box-shipped for safe delivery. Multiple purchases can save with combined shipping - so check out my other auctions (please request a combined invoice before paying). 
  
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I have no idea what's in all these boxes ..........
 
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  • SHIPPING: Most items are shipped one or two business days after payment is received. We often use recycled materials for shipping. Sometimes for safety/timeliness/cost/insurance reasons, we may use a shipping method or carrier other than that specified in the listing description. 
  • GENERAL: We always try to accurately describe auction items and identify any significant defects. Since almost all of our auctions are for vintage and/or previously owned items, you may find other minor evidence of a prior life not specifically identified. 
  • PHOTOS: We include as many photos as possible so you can better evaluate overall condition. Photos are are an important part our our listing description.  If additional photos are needed, please let us know. 

  • RETURNS: While we generally do not accept returns, if we make a significant error in our listing presentation, we will make it right with you. If upon receipt - you feel that this item is not as you would have reasonably expected  based on our description and photos - contact us right away to resolve the issue.