New-York - as it is; being the counterpart of the metropolis of America.
BELDEN, E. Porter. New-York - As It Is; Being the Counterpart of the Metropolis of America. [2], 18, [2 blank] pp., illustrated with a full-page wood engraving of the "Model of New York." New York: Prall, Lewis & Co., 1851. WITH:
The American Advertiser; Designed for the Cards and Advertisements of Mercantile & Manufacturing Establishments. Eleventh year. 274, [2] pp., including a chromolithographic title-page, illustrated with an additional full-page chromolithograph, typographic designs and occasional wood engravings throughout. 8vo, 185 x 105 mm., bound in contemporary three-quarter morocco gilt over marbled boards, with the gilt seal of New York State in the upper left corner of the front board. New York: Prall, Lewis & Co, 1857.
Ad I: A pamphlet advertising the Model of New-York -- "no less than a perfect miniature of the great emporium of commerce, presenting with incredible accuracy, every object, whether a building, a tree, or a fence, that any citizen could discern within the precincts of his own residence" (p.[1]) -- a real architectural model, on a platform measuring 20 x 24 feet, that was built by 150 artists over the course of a year beginning in July 1845, and costing $20,000 to complete. With a list of artists and detailed descriptions of the various carved elements, including more than 200,000 buildings, 150,000 chimnies [sic], and 5,000 "pieces of shipping" (sailboats, etc.).
Ad II: Over 230 pages of advertisements for companies in New York City -- book and job printers, jewelers, hairdressers, plumbers, etc. -- with many illustrated, including one full-page chromolithographic advertisement for "Stickney & Price, Label Manufacturers" showing a design of a lady stamped in gold ink surrounded by colourful floral ornaments. The New York City directory is followed by five pages devoted to Philadelphia and "Other Places"; a list of advertisers; an index of businesses; and a publisher's advertisement on the last page.
First free endsheet and flyleaf detached, but otherwise a fine copy.
Item nr. 141806
Price:
$675.00