Description:

Joshua Fisher
London, England, ca. 1776
Fisher Chart Map of the Delaware Bay & River 1776
Map

Fantastic Revolutionary War era hand-colored chart of the Delaware Bay and River, depicting areas of Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey by self-taught surveyor Joshua Fisher (1707-1783). 1p, 27.5" x 20", London, England, ca. 1776. Page shows toning and scattered foxing, creasing, some tears along the edges with more significant splitting along old crease lines, back shows sealed fold line; otherwise, this is a very fine example of a historically significant chart map.

This chart of the Delaware Bay and River by Joshua Fisher was the preeminent Revolutionary War era chart for navigating the notoriously challenging shoals, shallows and oyster beds of the waterway that was a key thoroughfare in the region. Fisher was a trapper and hatmaker and his relationship with the natural environment and the waterways of the mid-Atlantic region led him to survey the bay and river. Furthermore, prominent colonial figures like Thomas Penn encouraged Fisher to undertake the work and advocated for its publication. Until Fisher initially charted these waters in 1756, there was no comprehensive chart and even with the detailed surveying of the waters by Fisher, local pilots were needed to guide boats. It depicts Cape May and Cape James at the coast all the way to Philadelphia.

During the Revolutionary War and French and Indian Wars, this chart was the necessary guide for all three contestants, and in fact it is notable that as late as 1846 it was the only comprehensive guide for these waters. Initially, publishers were wary to publish the chart at their printers for fear it could fall into the hands of the French and supply the enemy during the French and Indian Wars with valuable navigational information. When this edition of the chart, believed to be the third edition based on our research, was published in London in 1776, it was undoubtedly being used by the colonists in their revolt against the British colonial system, as well as the British. Three separate editions of Fisher's chart were published in London in 1776 - a testament to the key navigational value it held during the Revolutionary War.

The chart reads: "A Chart of Delaware Bay and River, Containing a full and exact description of the Shores, Creeks, Harbours, Soundings, Shoals, Sands and Bearings of the most considerable Land Marks, from the Capes to Philadelphia. Taken from the Original Chart Published at Philadelphia by Joshua Fisher. London. Published according to Act of Parliament, 30th November, 1776; by Andrew Dury, Duke's Court, St. Martins Lane."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 27.5" x 20"
  • Medium: Map

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

November 19, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000