John Melish Paintings & Artwork for Sale | John Melish Art Value Price Guide

Feb. 01, 2025
John Melish Engraved Wall Map of the United States with the Contiguous British and Spanish Possessions, 1820
Est: $80,000 - $100,000
MELISH, John (1771-1822). Map of the United States with the Contiguous British and Spanish Possessions. Entered.the 16th Day of June, 1820. Large engraved folding map by J. Vallance and H.S. Tanner with original hand color in full. Philadelphia: Published by the Author, 1820. 43 1/2" x 57" sheet, dissected into 36 segments and mounted on linen. This great wall map is coveted by collectors, for it was the first to depict the United States potentially stretching from Atlantic to Pacific, thereby embodying the nascent notion of "Manifest Destiny." The scarce 1820 edition, third state (Martin/Ristow), enlarged to include the West Indies and all of Mexico, with fine handcoloring and the original slipcase. Melish was the first publisher in the United States to specialize in geographical and cartographic works. First published in 1816, this was the first American-produced wall map depicting the country from coast to coast. Melish frequently revised and corrected the plates. He published new editions in 1818 (five states), 1819 (two states), 1820 (eight states) 1822 (two states), and 1823 (one state). According to Streeter, who also owned two copies of the 1820 edition (6:3808 dated 6 June 1820 and 6:3809 dated 16 June 1820): "The obvious difference between the June 6th and June 16th maps is in the coloration. In the June 6th, as in all previous editions, states and territories appear outlined in color. In the June 16th edition, they are tinted throughout in the same color as the darker boundary colors." Melish has extended the southern boundary to include the Yucatan peninsula, as well as the Caribbean Islands. The northern boundary of Tennessee is shown along the parallel 36o30' following Congress's ratification of 12 May 1820. The depiction of Lake Michigan and the borders of Illinois and Indiana are also corrected to include Chicago within the Illinois state boundary. Missouri appears as a Territory separate from the Arkansas Territory. Incorporating data from state and military maps as these became available, Melish outlined the reasons for the principal changes in his posthumously published 1826 Geographical Description: "When the late treaty was negotiated with Spain which had reference to the map in fixing the southwest boundary, it was determined to bring forward an entire new edition of the Map, exhibiting Florida as part of the United States, and making all alterations that had taken place in the country, up to the time of publication; and from conviction that Mexico would soon become independent, and would eventually be of great importance to the United States, it was determined to add another sheet exhibiting a complete view of that very interesting country, with all the most important West India Islands. This was accordingly executed, and the supplement was so enlarged as to exhibit a view of the whole West Indies, with Guatimala, the Isthmus of Panama, and the northern provinces of South America, now forming part of the Republic of Colombia. "SCARCE: Only two copies of the third state have sold at auction in the last four decades which have appeared several times: the Streeter/Newman copy (2018) and the Charles J. Tanenbaum copy (2008) which was purchased at auction in 1977. Second edition of the text, after the 1815 original and another similar but earlier issue without the designation of "second edition". PROVENANCE: Charles J. Tannenbaum, Collection of American Cartography (Sotheby's NY, 11 Dec 2008, lot 16 - $46,875); An anonymous consignor (Sotheby's NY, 25 Jan 1977). Condition: fold separation affecting 3 segments, a few holes at interstices, faint offsetting and some toning. Contemporary green paste-paper board slipcase, manuscript label; extremities somewhat worn, loss of one side strip. GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION: 8vo (8 1/4 x 5 1/4 in.; 21 x 13.3 cm). 5 engraved maps (one folding and partially hand-colored), errata slip tipped to front free endpaper; scattered staining, mild text browning. Contemporary red roan over marbled boards, smooth spine lettered gilt; rebased and recornered.
Arader Galleries
Jan. 27, 2024
MELISH MAP OF THE UNITED STATES 1820
Est: $100,000 - $140,000
MELISH, John (1771-1822). Map of the United States with the contiguous British and Spanish Possessions Compiled from the latest & best Authorities. Engraved map with original hand color. Philadelphia: James Finlayson, June 16th, 1820 (Third State). 43 1/4" x 56 3/4" sheet, 40 1/2" x 56 1/2" framed. Comparables: Dorothy Sloan, 2006 - $69,000; Leslie Hindman, 2018 - $68,750. The single most important and influential map of America published in the 19th century and the second most important in American History overall. Described by Thomas Jefferson as a luminous view of the comparative possessions of different powers in our America, Melish's map is the most famous cartographic expression of “manifest destiny” as the first systematic and comprehensive map of the United States from coast to coast. It includes the juxtapose the discoveries of Lewis & Clark, Alexander von Humboldt, Zebulon Pike and the early fur traders and explorers of the 19th Century into a large map of the United States. Over the next decade, it was the primary map utilized to depict and determine every important American boundary treaty of consequence and continued to be a source of determining boundary disputes until the end of the Century. During the remainder of Melish's lifetime, the map was meticulously revised and updated, with a total of 25 states of the map released between 1816 and 1823 having been identified by scholars. The third state differs from the second only in the date in the copyright notice, which reads "16th day of June" rather than "6th day of June." This later state of the map includes the addition of an extra plate at the bottom of the map, which provided coverage of Cuba, Jamaica, the Virgin Islands and the remainder of the Gulf Coast and the Yucatan, to the map. The 1820 issues were the first to be printed from nine copper plates and to show the area of southern Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, and other Caribbean islands. The "General Statistical Table" in the lower left also appears here for the first time. Finally, several alterations have been made to the U. S.-Mexican boundary. This 1820 issue is a substantial advance beyond the earlier ones. The map, in its various editions, faithfully recorded the changing geography of the US, as various boundary disputes, treaties and explorations extended both the geographical territory of the US and a young nation's knowledge of its own territory. Melish reportedly released only 100 copies of each edition. Because of the map's size and its use as an official source, relatively few copies have survived. John Melish was a highly educated Scottish merchant who settled in Philadelphia in 1811, eventually to become one of the first great cartographers on the American continent. Prior to his map of the United States, Melish had produced a number of other highly acclaimed regional maps like his rare Military & Topographical Atlas of the United States. However, this map of the United States, which drew on a number of official state maps, would become his masterwork.
Arader Galleries
Sep. 23, 2023
JOHN MELISH (Scottish 1771-1822) A FEDERAL PERIOD MAP, "United States of America," PHILADELPHIA, 1820
Est: $600 - $800
JOHN MELISH (Scottish 1771-1822) A FEDERAL PERIOD MAP, "United States of America," PHILADELPHIA, 1820, hand color on wove paper, published by M. Carey & Son, Engraved by Benjamin Tanner, plate no. 68; 17" x 21 1/4", framed 23" x 27 1/2".
Simpson Galleries, LLC
Nov. 04, 2022
[MAPS]. MELISH, John (1771-1821). United States of America Compiled form the latest & bet Authorities. Philadelphia: Murray Draper Fairman & Co., 1818.
Est: $400 - $600
[MAPS]. MELISH, John (1771-1821). United States of America Compiled form the latest & bet Authorities. Philadelphia: Murray Draper Fairman & Co., 1818. Engraved map of the eastern United States, hand-colored, image 18 3/4 x 15 1/4 in. (visible sheet 19 3/4 x 16 1/2 in.), (Minor brown spotting/toning.) Matted and framed to 25 3/8 x 22 1/2 in. A separately issued map by Melish showing an expansive Missouri Territory as well as early depictions of Michigan and Northwest Territories. Includes information derived from Lewis & Clark, particularly in the Missouri River Valley, as well as western forts, Texas locations, and Native American placenames. With some inaccuracies, particularly a dislocated Galveston. Property from the James Milgram, M.D., Collection of Broadsides, Ephemeral Americana, and Historical Documents
Hindman
Sep. 24, 2022
MELISH, A MILITARY AND TOPOGRAPHICAL ATLAS OF THE UNITED STATES
Est: $18,000 - $25,000
MELISH, John (1771-1822). A Military and Topographical Atlas of the United States; including the British Possessions & Florida: comprehending 1. Map and Description of the Seat of War in North America. 2. Description of do. 3. Map of the Southern Section of the United States, including Florida, &c. 4. Description of do. 5. Map of the Coast from Norfolk to Newport. 6. Map of Detroit River. 7. Plan of Quebec and adjacent country. 8. Official Documents relative to the operations of the British army in reducing the Canadas. 9. Chart of the St. Lawrence river from Sacket's Harbour to French Mills. 10. Map of the River St. Lawrence, and adjacent country, from French Mills to Montreal. 11. Map of the Seat of War among the Creek Indians. 12. Map of New Orleans. . . Philadelphia: Published by John Melish. G. Palmer printer, 1815. Second edition, expanded. Comparable: Christie's, 2011 - $20,000. Octavo in 8s and 4s (8 1/2" x 5 1/4", 216mm x 134mm). With 3 engraved plates and 9 folding hand-colored engraved maps. Bound in contemporary half red roan over marbled boards and cloth ties. On the spine, seven transverse gilt fillets. Title gilt (MILITARY ATLAS) in the second panel. Ties replaced (with patches to the rear paste-down). Tail-piece perished, with splits to the hinges. Rubbed generally, with some wear to the fore-corners. Moderately tanned and offset throughout, with some spotting. Repairs to the maps along the folds. John Melish (1771-1822) was born in Scotland and emigrated to America, settling in Philadelphia in 1811. There he established himself as a cartographer-printer-publisher in the mold of the Dutch masters, and became the great mapmaker of the expanding United States. Crucial to his success was this pocket military atlas (compare the 1776 "Holster Atlas" of Sayer and Bennet) that combined not only large folding maps but considerable descriptions of the places depicted and their strategic roles ("The Seat of War in North America") in the War of 1812, which had recently ended. Whereas the first edition (1813) was a tool for a war in progress, this second edition, with its expanded scope, shows Melish preparing for the map of the "Seat of Peace" (compare the "Seat of War" in the present work) that would (in 1816) become the first domestically-made coast-to-coast wall map of America. The enlargement of the second edition points to the new focus of American expansion once the threat of the British in the Northeast had wrapped up: the Southeast. New maps of New Orleans and the Creek War theatre reflect the shift to expansion toward Texas, which, after the Mexican War of Independence (1821) would land in the sights of the United States.
Arader Galleries
Apr. 11, 2021
1813 John Melish "Map of the Seat of War in North America"
Est: -
John Melish (1771-1822) was the most prominent cartographer of his generation. The map is housed under plexiglass laying flat and does show where it has been folded in the past. Not pristine, but in good condition with minor water staining in a few spots on the edges. In addition, it is faded. The map measures 20 7/8" by 16 1/4" and shows the US population at 7,239,903. Also included with the map is a booklet from England titled "The Gentleman's Magazine" and dated 1761.
Caswell Prewitt Realty, INC
Nov. 19, 2020
Amerika - Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika - Melish, John
Est: €400 - €600
Amerika - Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika - Melish, John Reisen durch die Vereinten-Staaten von America, in den Jahren 1806, 1807, 1809, 1810 und 1811. Aus dem Englischen, und mit Anmerkungen begleitet von J. Ernst Ludw. Brauns. Mit 8 (4 gefalteten) gestochenen Karten und Plänen sowie 1 gefalteten Tabelle. Weimar, Landes-Industrie-Comptoir, 1819. XVIII, 378 S. 20,2 x 12 cm. Halblederband der Zeit mit zwei farbigen Rückenschildern (Deckel mit Bezugsfehlstellen, Kanten bestoßen). Neue Bibliothek der wichtigsten Reisebeschreibungen, 17. Band. - Erste deutsche Ausgabe. - Engelmann 103 - Sabin 47437. - Mit 2 Übersichts- und 6 Regionalkarten (Kentucky, Michigan, Niagara, Ohio, Pittsburg, Zanesville). - Teil 2: Colonel Kirkpatrick. Nachrichten von dem Königreiche Nepaul gesammelt auf einer Sendung dahin. Mit 1 gefalteten gestochenen Karte. 1818. XVI, 172 S. - Etwas gebräunt, vollständiges Exemplar. VAT: *
Nosbüsch & Stucke GmbH
Sep. 28, 2019
Melish 1812 War Map
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
MELISH, John (1771-1822). Map of the Seat of War in North America. Engraved Map with original hand color in outline. Philadelphia, 1813. 19 1/2" x 23 3/4" sheet. Regional Map of Melish's Famed Military Atlas, A Major War of 1812 Cartographic Artifact.
Arader Galleries
May. 01, 2019
* ORTELIUS, Abraham (1527-1598). Peregrinationis divi pauli typis corographicus. [Antwerp, ca 1598 or later]. Engraved map.
Est: $300 - $500
ORTELIUS, Abraham (1527-1598). Peregrinationis divi pauli typis corographicus. [Antwerp, ca 1598 or later]. Engraved map of the Mediterranean with hand-coloring, French text on verso, visible area 14 1/2 x 20 in. (363 x 509 mm), matted and framed (not examined out of frame, closed tear in map). Title cartouche flanked by Biblical scenes; galleons and sea monsters.
Hindman
Mar. 16, 2019
(Maps - Eastern United States Cities) [Lot of 7] New-York, and Adjacent Country [and] District of Columbia [and] Boston... [and] Baltimore, Annapolis... [and] Charleston... [and] View of the Country Round the Falls of Niagara [and] Ballston & Saratoga Springs, City of Albany...
Est: $350 - $425
Eastern United States Cities. John Melish, [Lot of 7] New-York, and Adjacent Country [and] District of Columbia [and] Boston... [and] Baltimore, Annapolis... [and] Charleston... [and] View of the Country Round the Falls of Niagara [and] Ballston & Saratoga Springs, City of Albany..., 1822 (circa). Black & White. These small regional maps are from one of Melish's important early 19th century descriptions of the young United States. Each map focuses on the transportation network of these major American cities. John Melish was the first American publisher to concentrate on cartographic and geographic publications. Born in Scotland, Melish immigrated to Philadelphia in 1811. In 1812 he published Travels in the United States of America, which included his first maps. He soon came to dominate the industry in this country, and had a huge impact on all subsequent American map-making. A. New-York, and Adjacent Country. B. District of Columbia. C. Boston, and Adjacent Country. D. Baltimore, Annapolis and Adjacent Country. E. Charleston, and Adjacent Country. F. View of the Country Round the Falls of Niagara. G. Ballston & Saratoga Springs, City of Albany, and Adjacent Country.
Old World Auctions
Dec. 04, 2018
MELISH, John (1771-1822). Map of the United States with the contiguous Brit
Est: $20,000 - $30,000
MELISH, John (1771-1822). Map of the United States with the contiguous British and Spanish Possessions. Philadelphia: John Melish, 1818. A handsome copy of the frst large and detailed American map to show the entire country from the Atlantic to the Pacifc. This copy is the third state of the second edition, published in 1818. The frst edition was published in 1816 and editions continued until 1823 in a couple of dozen diferent states. This issue is the frst to show Illinois as a state rather than a territory and to include Chicago as part of Illinois. It was one of the 1818 Melish maps that was used in the negotiations to settle the boundary between U.S. and Spanish possessions in 1819. Ristow, “John Melish and His Map of the United States,” Quarterly Journal of Current Acquisitions, vol. 19, no. 4, 1962. Engraved map hand-colored in outline, 888 x 1450mm to neatline, printed on six plates, sectioned into 40 panels, linen-backed, and edged in yellow ribbon, two panels additionally backed in marbled paper (some mild browning along some folds, small losses to linen at fold intersections).
Christie's
Jan. 17, 2018
MELISH, JOHN. MAP OF THE UNITED STATES WITH THE CONTIGUOUS BRITISH & SPANISH POSSESSIONS. PHILADELPHIA: 1822
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
Engraved wall map (56 5/8 x 43 5/8 in.; 1437 x 1108 mm), mounted on linen, edged in green silk, full contemporary handcoloring, engraved by J. Vallance & H. S. Tanner, engraved title vignette of the federal eagle, inset map of the West Indies, inset statistical table. Handsomely framed and glazed with UVIII Plexiglass. Browned, some tears, chipping, and restoration with minor loss, chiefly marginal.
Sotheby's
Dec. 10, 2017
"Map of New Orleans and Adjacent Country"
Est: $2,500 - $4,000
"Map of New Orleans and Adjacent Country" by John Melish (Scottish/American, 1771-1822), hand-colored engraved map from A Military and Topographical Atlas of the United States, published Philadelphia, 1815. Glazed and framed. sight 15-1/4" x 21", framed 22" x 27" Notes: Published right after the War of 1812, this rare map, charted after Barthelemy Lafon's premier 1806 plan of the New Orleans territory, was published to better illustrate to the public the geographical significance of the maritime victory over the British that culminated in the Treaty of Ghent. The map masterfully surveys the area from Lake Maurepas in Louisiana to Pensacola, including batteries on the English turn, two camps and battlefields between Villiers and New Orleans, and the pivotal forts- Barancas, Bowyer, St. John and St. Philip. The map is also one of the first to chart water depth in fathoms and the soundings of the Mississippi Delta.
New Orleans Auction Galleries
Jun. 28, 2017
John Melish (1771-1822) American. "Northern Section of the United States, Including Canada', Map, Unframed, 14.5" x 20", together with another nine maps, by various hands, ten (10).
Est: £50 - £80
John Melish (1771-1822) American. "Northern Section of the United States, Including Canada', Map, Unframed, 14.5" x 20", together with another nine maps, by various hands, ten (10).
John Nicholson's Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers