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.

This mid-19th-century map of Africa, published by Thomas, Cowperthwait & Co. (successors to S. Augustus Mitchell), is a signature example of the Philadelphia school of cartography from the early 1850s. Upon visual inspection of the digital rendering, the hand-coloring remains vibrant, utilizing the characteristic pink, yellow, and green tints associated with the period. The inclusion of the 'Republic of Liberia' inset is a significant historical detail that enhances collector interest, particularly for those focused on political or African-American history. The decorative rope border and elaborate custom framing—featuring a marbled inner mat—add substantial decorative appeal, though they likely cover the map's original margins. Condition appears consistent with an atlas-bound provenance; the visible fold lines are expected, though some minor foxing and evening toning are present. Market demand for African maps of this era is stable, as they document the continent just prior to the intensifying colonial shifts of the late 19th century. Similar Cowperthwait maps typically hammer for $150-$300 unframed; the premium in this valuation reflects the high-quality archival presentation and framing. Authenticity is suggested by the specific engraving style and typography, though a physical inspection is required to confirm the paper's watermark and ensure it is not a modern facsimile. Such an inspection would involve examining the texture under magnification to verify plate marks and the 'bite' of the copper plate, as well as checking for acidic migration from the wooden backing of the frame.