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Identification

1846 S. Augustus Mitchell "A New Map of Texas Oregon and California"

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

The map clearly bears the imprint of S. Augustus Mitchell, Philadelphia, and the date 1846. The title 'A New Map of Texas Oregon and California' is fully legible.

Story

Published by S. Augustus Mitchell in Philadelphia in 1846, this map captures a pivotal moment in American history at the dawn of the Mexican-American War. It is highly regarded for its depiction of a newly annexed Texas and the evolving borders of the Pacific Northwest. The secondary market for mid-19th-century maps of the American West remains exceptionally strong, driven by dedicated Texana and Western expansion collectors. S. Augustus Mitchell's 1846 map is considered a foundational piece in this category.

Maker / Origin

S. Augustus Mitchell

Condition & Value

Visually, the map displays typical fold lines and minor discoloration consistent with an authentic mid-19th-century pocket map. However, because it is framed, it is impossible to determine if the map has been detrimentally glued (laid down) to a backing board or if there are separated folds hidden by the presentation.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for mid-19th-century maps of the American West remains exceptionally strong, driven by dedicated Texana and Western expansion collectors. S. Augustus Mitchell's 1846 map is considered a foundational piece in this category. However, the market is highly bifurcated based on condition: pristine, unmounted copies command significant premiums, while heavily restored or laid-down examples face steep discounts.

Value Drivers

▲ Foundational 1846 S. Augustus Mitchell map of Texas, Oregon, and California

▲ High historical significance driving strong demand among Western expansion collectors

▲ Visible fold lines suggest it was originally a pocket map, consistent with authentic period issues

Concerns

▼ Unverified mounting method — if glued to a backing board, value drops toward the $1,250 auction floor

▼ Hidden fold separations or tears obscured by the frame could require costly conservation

▼ Specific printing state unconfirmed — earlier states command higher premiums

Best Venue

Consign to a major auction house with a dedicated historical map or Texana department, such as Heritage Auctions or PBA Galleries. Prior to sale, have a professional paper conservator or the auction house's specialists examine the frame to determine if the map is laid down, as this will inform the final auction estimate.

Upside Potential

If the map is confirmed to be loosely hinged (not laid down), free of major fold separations, and retains strong original hand-coloring, it could reach the $9,000-$11,000 tier seen in premium auction results.

Authenticity Risk

medium

High-value historical maps are frequently reproduced as decorative facsimiles. While the visible fold lines and discoloration strongly suggest an authentic period piece, physical inspection or high-resolution close-ups of the paper matrix and printing impression are required to definitively rule out a high-quality reproduction.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 4 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Arader Galleries
    A New Map of Texas, Oregon and California
    Link could not be verified.
    $14,000
  • Old World Auctions· 2026-02-11
    A New Map of Texas Oregon and California with the Regions Adjoining. Compiled from the Most Recent Authorities
    Excerpt explicitly describes a 1719 Senex map of the American Colonies, not the Mitchell map.
    $7,000
  • Arader Galleries
    Samuel Augustus Mitchell's A New Map of Texas, Oregon and California
    Excerpt mentions an '1846 Palestine Map', contradicting the title.
    $6,000
  • Old World Auctions
    A New Map of Texas Oregon and California with the Regions adjoining. Compiled from the most recent authorities
    Excerpt mentions 'simulated brown leather' and 'California Gold Fields', indicating a modern reproduction or later edition.
    $375