Lot 225
Reed, John. An Explanation of the Map of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia. Philadelphia: Nicholas Brooks, 1774. A rare Companion Book to the John Reed Map of Philadelphia. 64pp, 9 x 7", printed on laid paper, watermarked paper. This paper-cover booklet contains a forward by John Reed, William Penn's various letters concerning the city, a list of Liberties granted to the first purchasers, copies of original papers proving the boundaries of the Liberties, and most importantly, an alphabetical list of all the First Purchasers, referring to the map by numbers so that each land owner could see the size and place of the land he purchased. The book also contains the date of surveys of all the lots in the city of Philadelphia as far as Eight-Street from the Delaware River. Wrappers are worn and creased; spine is rebacked with stitched old cloth. Small damp stain on title page. There is a Judaica association with the owner's name, Benjamin Myers, penned on title page and front wrapper. Also, a period signature of John M. George is on the front wrapper.
This book was issued separately but contemporaneously with "John Reed's Important Philadelphia Map of 1774." The original map, which measures an enormous 5 feet by 3 feet, is exceedingly rare. If sold at market today, it would easily bring $35000-40,000. The small copy of the map included with this book is courtesy of the DuPont-Winterthur Museum, Delaware.
Estimated Value $800 - 1,000.
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| Realized $460 |
