Southern Rhodesia [Zimbabwe]

A scarce and historically important set of three colonial maps of Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) produced for the British South African Company. This bound set was de-accessioned from the library of John Hopley, the famous South Arican born athlete who settled in Rhodesia.

The maps are bound within Buckram boards. The inside pastedown has the following inscription: Hist 5707/32-8 dated 27.7.57. Acc 68238 de-accessioned 3.7.68). These maps are of great historical interest and importance.

Map No 1: Sketch Map of South Africa showing relative position of Rhodesia (19.8cm - 29.0cm). There is no imprint. The map is undated, but is ca. 1908: rail line to Kambavo (Kambovo) in Congo was completed 1908; Nyasaland Protectorate established 1907

Map No. 2: Folded Sketch map of Rhodesia and Adjoining Territories (44.2cm x 53.9cm) Waterlow and Sons. Undated, but ca. 1914 (Rail Blantyre to North shore of Zambesi was completed 1914). There is an index of placenames on the map.

Map No. 3: Large folded Map of Southern Rhodesia Showing approximate distribution of land- in full colour. (84.6cm x 84.2cm). No imprint but signed 'litho R.A. Kitchen, Sept 1917'. The historically important Disposition of Land is listed within a rectangular cartouche.

Frederick John Vanderbyl Hopley DSO(1883 - 1951) was a South African born who was best known in England as a talented sportsman (an amateur boxer,first-class cricketer and international rugby union player for England. The John Hopley Memorial Trophy, awarded to the Zimbabwean Sportsman of the Year was named after him. In 1910 he established a farm at Marandellas, near Salisbury (now Harare). In 1916, during WW1, he was awarded the DSO for or 'conspicuous gallantry in action'.

These lithographs are in excellent condition although map No. 3 has a tear that has been professionally repaired and has some creases.

This very rare set of BSAC maps, with its Hopley provenance, will enhance any collection of historical maps or materials of Southern Rhodesia.