1744 Smith CAPE COAST CASTLE Ghana MAPS, TWIN PROSPECTS Scarce & Important Study of Infamous Slave Trade Centre Start Price USD 199.99 Current Price USD 199.99 Time Left - Bid Count 1 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Monday, September 01, 2008 End Time Thursday, September 11, 2008 Location Indianapolis, IN See more about '1744 Smith CAPE COAST CASTLE Ghana MAPS, TWIN PROSPECTS' Description Cape Corse, or Coast Castle, by Mr. Smith, 1727   30 x 19 cm copperplate engraving, 38 x 24 cm sheet size, modern hand colour, London, 1744 We are pleased to offer this original engraving of the notorious Cape Coast Castle on the coast of what is now Ghana.  Originally controlled by the Portuguese and later the Swedes and Danes, the British permanently captured the fort in 1664.  The centre of British administration of the Gold Coast, the fort also served as one of the principal processing facilities for the African slave trade.  The British held slaves here in miserable dungeons before loading them at gunpoint onto slave ships at anchor in the nearby bay.  Literally hundreds of thousands of Africans were marched out into slavery under the thirteen guns which remain in place today.  A fascinating document, this historic print presents two "prospects" of the fort, an inset plan of the facility as well as an inset map of the region.  It was compiled by William Smith for his 1727 publication "Thirty Different Drafts of Guinea" commissioned by the Royal African Company.  This plate was engraved by Nathaniel Parr (fl. 1740-1751) for Smith's 1744 "A New Voyage to Guinea" a work that appears to have been something of a plagiarism. Although the plate records a place of great brutality, Cape Coast Castle is now a UNESCO world heritage site and this beautifully engraved and hand coloured 18th century study will make a superb presentation if matted and framed. We begin our survey of the print with the inset "Plan of ye Castle" (dungeons conveniently not indicated) with a British ship at anchor in the background: Inset map of the region with "Tigers Walk" and other curious places: . Surely the Union Jack flown over the fort was not really this large - note the 13 cannon pointed out to sea: We are guessing that the device atop the tower was some sort of semaphore or signalling mechanism but it could just be a weather vane - any information regarding this curious device is welcome: : Condition - Please note carefully:    Print is in excellent condition as can be ascertained from photos, strong impression with distinct platemark, good quality laid paper, minor browning near margin edges.    Inquiries welcome and we encourage you to visit our other auctions on eBay. Note: Final auction price includes insured shipment within continental United States. All other customers to pay actual shipping costs via traceable means including full insurance.  International bidders are wholly responsible for any applicable customs, duties or taxes upon receipt. Terms and Conditions - Please read carefully: Payment accepted via PayPal. 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