Here we have a super rare piece of San Francisco history in the form of a cartoon map of the city by Harrison Godwin (1899 - 1984), circa 1927. The sheer level of detail and crazy cartoons in the large map will give you years of chuckles and conversations. I'm still working my way through all the drawings of the horse drawn carriages, ships and old Model T cars. And having some old comix by Robert Crumb, its very obvious Godwin had a major influence on him. I mean, this map was created forty years prior to Crumb's heyday. This map is an incredible homage to the Bay City.
The rare cartoon map comes out of the estate of a prominent Midwestern folk art collector. As stated above, the map was created in 1927. Check out this short
biography of Harrison Godwin, as well some interesting tidbits about this map.
For instance, it only took Godwin three months to create this map. My brain is hanging upside down.
The framed map measures 27" tall by 34 1/4" wide. Since the antique map is almost 100 years old, there is some slight fading of the colors and yellowing (see pics). There is horizontal line of discoloration near the "Golden Gate" title in the upper left corner. The bruising black frame has some great patina as well. The framed map is as acquired by the folk art collector. Please see all pics as they are part of the description.
I ship FedEx or UPS to street addresses in the continental USA only (no PO Boxes). Free shipping on the rare antique map.
You have to see this beauty to believe it. A rare and amazing piece of California history.
