Up for sale is an authentic, highly prized mid-19th-century antique map titled "British America."
This beautifully detailed steel engraving showcases the expansive territories of Canada, Rupert's Land, the Hudson's Bay Company territories, Greenland, and Russian America (Alaska).
True to the iconic style of the publisher John Tallis, the map features a highly decorative, intricate vine border and is adorned with wonderful, finely engraved vignette illustrations. These vignettes depict regional wildlife and scenes, including a seal, a whale, a polar bear, an Eskimo family with sled dogs, and a canoe party.
The map was drawn and engraved by the master cartographer J. Rapkin circa 1851 for The Illustrated Atlas and a Modern History of the World, Geographical, Political, Numerical & Statistical. Tallis/Rapkin maps are widely considered some of the most beautiful and collectible decorative maps of the 19th century.
Item Specifications
Title: British America
Cartographer/Engraver: J. Rapkin
Publisher: John Tallis & Company
Date of Publication: c. 1851
Source: The Illustrated Atlas and a Modern History of the World
Dimensions: Approximately 10.25" x 12.75" (image area)
Condition & Packaging
Preservation: This map has been carefully shrink-wrapped with a rigid archival backing board to protect it from dust, handling, and environmental wear while keeping it perfectly flat.
Important Note on Price Sticker: The white price sticker visible on the piece is adhered entirely to the outer plastic shrink wrap. It is NOT on the map itself. The antique paper underneath remains completely untouched and undamaged by modern adhesive.
Overall Condition: Very good historical condition. The engraving lines are sharp and crisp, featuring classic hand-colored regional outlining. The paper shows elegant, age-appropriate characteristics perfect for high-end framing.
Shipping & Handling
Shipped flat in a heavy-duty rigid mailer to guarantee secure delivery to your collection.
Combined shipping is available if you are purchasing multiple pieces from our historical archive.
Please review the detailed listing imagery to closely inspect the vignettes, engraving lines, and border details. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!