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An Original Antique Map: Not a Reproduction!
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Description: It is an original copper engraved antique map from John Speed's Theater of the Empire of Great Britain, published by Basset & Chiswell, London, 1675. It was produced as a miniature atlas primarily intended for use by travelers unlike the larger format version that would have been coveted as a cabinet atlas. It was actually published as two atlases in one, the first half pertaining to the British Isles, particularly county maps, and the second half pertaining to other parts of the world with a separate title page Prospect of the most Famous Parts of the World, London, 1675. Unfortunately, the title page to the Theater of the Empire is missing, but the title to the Prospect is present and a copy will be included for authenticity. These were not published in color although many sellers have added color in modern times to enhance, we are offering the map as it was originally published. The map is not matted nor mounted, single detached leaf in original condition as shown. This is an extremely rare map!
John Speed was actually a wealthy taylor by trade with an interest in cartography, producing some of the most accurate maps of the period, the first englishman to publish a world atlas. A set of maps had been produced by Petrus Kaerius [Peter van der Keere], brother-in-law to Hondius, who worked in England briefly and created a set of county maps in 1599 based on Saxton's work. Between 1605-10, King James allowed John Speed to use a room of the Customs House to work on the project for the Theater of the Empire and the first edition was printed 1611-12. During the period Speed traveled alot and made corrections to the Kaerius plates and had them translated from Latin into English and added the hereditary shields to the larger version. The plates were then engraved in Amsterdam by Kaerius and over the years they changed hands and were reprinted in many editions, since they were very popular at the time. Eventually, Basset & Chiswell bought the plates and published the last edition between 1674-6, from which this map comes.
Size: The map image measures approximately 3 1/2 by 5 inches on a 4 1/4 by 6 1/2" page.
Condition: The map is in Good condition for its age with overall tonal aging and some darkening as can be seen in the pic. There is a faint damp stain in the bottom margin, otherwise clean in general, the pics show all. It is printed on good quality paper, not brittle, very flexible. There is text in English on the reverse that barely shows through in places, nothing significant. Overall, a very nice example for its age with a quality antique appearance. The pics are accurated and show all, so take a good look.
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International and New Bidders are welcomed and encouraged. Payment is
expected within 7 days. Nonpaying Bidders will be reported to Ebay to
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Shipping: $2.90 for First Class or $4.95 for Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation
in the USA and $5 for International Air or $11.00 for Priority International Airmail elsewhere in the
world. Please note these rates are
very close to actual postage rates. No additional postage on multiple
maps shipped together. Free US and International Shipping on purchases of
5 or more maps. We do ship daily so let us know if you are still bidding
and want us to hold until all auctions have ended to save on
shipping.
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Please check with your country’s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.
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