Color lithographed map on 8 sheets. Each sheet approx. 39.5x48.3 cm (15½x19"); if joined, the full map would measure approx. 90x148 cm (35½x58¼"). Set loose in printed paper folder along with 31-page text booklet in English, German, French and Russian, all housed in period boards portfolio with manuscript paper cover label, ribbon ties.
This is the first of many editions of this uncommon map, all significant since they were altered to show new geographic revelations and evolving political boundaries. There are four inset charts showing the general currents of air, the cotidal lines and the lines of equal magnetic variations. Bookplate of Freiherrn G.A. Liebenstein on map, on wrapper, and on folder. This map is the 932nd item in the Library. Liebenstein acquired the map in 1864.
The original paper wrappers with printed label, in English and German, were created by the publisher using the printed wrapper for an 1862 atlas by Theodore Menke, turning it inside out, and pasting the large printed label for this map on the front.
In his notes, Warren Heckrotted stats that "This would seem to be a rare map," and comments: "In the United States, Nebraska is shown as extending up to the 49th parallel north of Kansas and Colorado and between a large Washington Terr and Dacota Terr. Nebaska was truncated in 1861, with the formation of Colorado and Dakota Territories, and in March 1863, with the formation of Idaho territory, to it's present size. So this map was probably issued in early 1863. Rumsey has a copy dated 1863 which now has a large Montana, reducing Idaho in size. Montana Terr was established May 26, 1864. This suggests that there is an earlier state of the second edition 1863 map that does not show Montana. In the Pacific aways off the coast of California is shown a Sargasso Sea; does such exist? An article in the New Yorker (9/8/03) on the attention given to pets in these days notes that 'the German countess Carlotta Liebenstein, --- in 1991 bequeathed her eighty-million-dollar estate to her dog Gunther.' Is Carlotta a descendent of G.A Liebenstein?"