A routine trip to reframe a favorite piece in my collection turned into an extraordinary discovery. I had recently acquired a 1626 John Speede map, “The Description of America,” a beautifully hand-colored work published by Thomas Bassett and Richard Chillwell, with engravings by Abraham Goos.
This iconic Speede map is renowned for:
- Decorative Vignettes: Captivating images of indigenous peoples, city views, and mythical sea creatures.
- California as an Island: The first atlas map to depict this famous geographical error, a misconception which endured for over a century.
- Early Settlements: Detailed illustrations of European colonies along the eastern seaboard.
(For more details, see this RareMaps description.)
When I took the map to a local framing expert for preservation, they carefully removed the backing and discovered something remarkable — tucked behind the Speede map was a meticulously detailed 18th-century American Revolutionary War map.
The map, believed to have been drawn by Washington’s aides, shows troop positions and encampments along the Delaware River near Trenton, New Jersey. The paper was fragile, the ink slightly faded, but the detail was extraordinary — depicting the terrain of New Jersey during the late 18th century with uncanny precision. It even includes a notation of an early version of a local tavern, now the site of a beloved diner.
“Maps of this significance rarely surface in such pristine condition,” remarked Sotheby’s specialist Simeon DeWitt VIII. “Its historical value, combined with its detailed annotations and the upcoming 250th Anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence, suggests an estimated worth between $5 million and $7 million.” Interest is soaring — especially from Sotheby’s clients who are cryptocurrency bidders and eager to preserve history in a digital age.
But there was one final surprise. As I carefully rolled up the map to return it to its protective sleeve, I noticed a faint signature in the bottom corner…
“B. Franklin.”
As I consider whether to display this incredible find, loan it to my alma mater, or entrust it to a national institution or presidential library for preservation, I can’t help but marvel at how history has a way of surprising us — sometimes from behind a 17th-century masterpiece.
Ravi D. Goel, MD collects historical documents as a hobby and has donated manuscripts and collections to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, Amherst College, Dickinson College, Forest History Society, Harvard University, Minnesota Historical Society, Princeton University, Yale University, and YIVO Institute. Goel collection highlights are described here.
(If you’ve been following my adventures in collecting, you might recall a certain Shakespeare First Folio I discovered at a local yard sale. For those who missed that unforgettable find, you can relive the story here.)
Addendum 4/2/2025:
Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun! While I wish the Revolutionary War map were real, this post was my contribution to the grand tradition of April Fools’ Day storytelling. The 1626 John Speed map is real, but the hidden $7 million treasure … not so much. Appreciate your good humor and continued support of ProtectingSight.com!
