Top Lots: Maps & Atlases, Natural History & Historical Prints, Ephemera

The results of last Thursday's sale of Maps & Atlases, Natural History & Historical Prints & Ephemera indicate that strong prices have returned to the maps and graphics markets. Overall, prices realized for maps of American interest were especially robust, and the top lot, Carta particolare della nuoua Belgia è parte della nuoua Anglia, the first printed sea chart of New England, brought a record $31,200.

Robert Dudley, Carta particolare della nuoua Belgia è parte della nuoua Anglia,
engraved sea chart, Florence, 1647.

A pair of George III-period miniature globes by Nathaniel Lane, one terrestrial and one celestial, sold for $15,600. They were among several globes sold in this sale, all of which ranked in the top ten lots.

Nathaniel Lane, miniature globes, London, early 19th century.

While maps dominated the sale, the top lot among the Natural History & Historical Prints portion of the sale was a lovely set of books. The Botanical Magazine; or, Flower-Garden Displayed, by William Curtis and John Sims in 14 volumes, sold for $7,200.

William Curtis & John Sims, The Botanical Magazine; or, Flower-Garden Displayed,
1-28 in 14 volumes, London, 1790-1808