Thomas Cowperthwait Map Appraisal

Map of Africa from the Latest Authorities by Thomas, Cowperthwait & Co.

This is a mid-19th-century hand-colored engraved map of Africa, titled 'Map of Africa from the Latest Authorities.' The map was published by Thomas, Cowperthwait & Co. at No. 253 Market Street, Philadelphia, likely around 1850-1853. It features an inset in the lower-left corner titled 'Map of the Republic of Liberia' with accompanying geographical text. The map utilizes a pastel color palette (pinks, yellows, and greens) for hand-shading different colonial possessions and territories. It is framed within a decorative rope-style border classic to the Mitchell school of cartography. The framing is elaborate, consisting of a gilded wood frame, a wide white mat, and an inner decorative marbled paper mat in purple and white. The condition appears sound; however, typical vertical and horizontal fold lines are visible from its original state in an atlas, along with some slight tanning or foxing consistent with age. Notable text includes a key of 'Possessions of the European Powers' indicating areas held by Great Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, and Holland. The map reflects a historical period of transition before the 'Scramble for Africa' accelerated, depicting many interior areas as 'unexplored' or marked with indigenous tribal names.