(lot of 3) United States Geological Survey (USGS) Copper Map Plates, each of the three engraved plates illustrating a topographical map of Salinas and Los Altos, California, each plate dated 1802, overall (plate/each): 21"h x 20"w. Note: In 2015 the Federal Government released to the American public for sale thousands of hand-made copper engraved plates used by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The plates, produced in sets of three, were used to produce topographic and geological maps of various regions and cities in the United States: one plate, inked in black, denoted cultural features and text; another inked in blue illustrated bodies of water; and a third printed in brown ink delineated topographical contours. Each quadrangle plate was etched by a USGS cartographic engraver, and contains historic and scientific information, including cultural transportation, boundary features, hydrography and geology. The plates were transferred to a large lithographic stone in order to make multiple prints.

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