18th Century and Earlier Maps

Bonne Map of Philippines, Formosa, Siam, Indochina & South China, 1780 Les Isles Philippines, celle de Formose, le Sud de la Chine, les Royaumes de Tunkin, de Cochinchine, de Cambog...

1585 Mercator map of Ireland, entitled "Irlandiae Regnvm." Hand Colored Description: Published in Amsterdam by Mercator/Hondius ca. 1585. Artists and Engravers: 1585 Mercator map of Ireland, entitled "Irlandiae Regnvm." Copperplate engraving on verge type hand laid paper with watermark. Description: Published in Amsterdam by Mercator/Hondius ca. 1585.Artists and Engravers: Mercator was born in Rupelmonde in Flanders and studied in Louvain under Gemma Frisius, Dutch writer, astronomer and mathematician. The excellence of his work brought him the patronage of Charles V, but in spite of his favor with the Emperor he was caught up in the persecution of Lutheran protestants and charged with heresy, fortunately without serious consequences. No doubt the fear of further persecution influenced his move in 1552 to Duisburg, where he continued the production of maps, globes and instruments. Mercator's sons and grandsons, were all cartographers and made their contributions in various ways to his atlas. Rumold, in particular, was responsible for the complete edition in 1595. The map plates...

Nice decorative hand tinted map of Japan with the title (in French): Carte de L'Empire du Japon Bellin, 1752 This antique map is engraved with very attractive title cartouche. ...

Antique map titled 'Isle de Madagascar ou de St. Laurens. Tiree de Sanutu &c'. Antique map of Madagascar, first published by Sanson in 1657. Sanson n...

Untitled map of the North Sea, top left a large compass rose, bottom right Dunkirk (Duinkerke / Dunkerque), France. Part of a bundled collection of plans of battles and cities renown...

Antique map titled 'Plan de la Ville de Meaco - Platte-Grond van de Stad Miaco'. Detailed and unusual antique copper engraved plan of Kyoto, ancient named Meaco, when it was the capi...

Antique print titled 'Eiland van St. Filippus, of van Fuego, met zyn vuurberg'. Old print of Piton de la Fournaise, a shield volcano on the eastern side of Reunion island...

Antique map titled 'A Map of Independent Tartary, containing the territories of Usbeck, Gasgar, Tibet, Lassa & c'. Old map depicting east of the Caspian Sea with parts of Persia, Siberia, the Mogul territories and on to western China...

Old 17th century miniature antique map of 'Cambaia' , from the 1616 edition of Jadocus Hondius Atlas by Petrus Bertius. Original copperplate engraving with hand coloring. Carto...

Antique map titled 'The Continuation of the Road from London to Bristol (..)'. A strip map of the continuation of the road from London to Bristol, this particular sheet showing the r...

Antique map titled 'Westmorlandia, Lancastria, Caernvan, Denbigh, Flint, Merionidh, Dalopia cum issulis Mania et Anglesey'. Original antique map of England...

Antique map titled 'Cercle de Bourgogne'. Detailed miniature map of the Burgundy region, France. Also shows the Netherlands and Belgium. Originates from Mallet's 'Description de l'Un...

Antique frontispiece titled 'Iets voor Allen'. This print originates from 'Iets voor Allen, zijnde een Verhandeling en Verbeelding Van allerhande Standen, Studien, Konsten, Wetenscha...

Antique map titled 'Nouvelle Carte de l'Isle de Java'. Chart of the island of Java, depicting soundings around the coast, all principal harbors, rivers and elevations, bays and p...

Antique map titled 'Idee de l'Isle de Java.' Well engraved and attractive chart of the island shows all principal harbors and coastal details, plus rivers, mountains and volcanoe...

Antique map titled 'Cours De La Riviere De Sanaga Ou Senegal (..) - Kaart van den Loop der Riviere Sanaga (..)'. Attractive double map of the Sanaga River, Senegal, Africa. This map ...

Interesting Antique map published in Germany titled 'Neue Vorstellung von Phoenice und Syrien (..)' This map is engraved with a lot of details. It is an original antique map of Syria...

Antique print titled 'Le cote du sud-ouest de l'Ile de Tinian' and 'Vue de la rade de Tinian, ou le Centurion fit de l'eau.' Views of the south-west side of the island of Tinian and a view of the anchorage of Tinian, where the Centurion got water. This print originates from 'Reize rondsom de Werreld (..)' by George Anson, published 1749. Tinian is one of the three principal islands of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands...

Antique print, titled: 'Vera effigies et delineato Insulae Ascenstio …' - Bird's eye view of Ascension Island. Five large sailing ships in the background and flying fish and waterfowl in the foreground. On the rear an image of four ships sailing towards a whale, accompanied by fowl, flying fish and dolphins. From 'Indiae Orientalis', 1598-1604. Artists and Engravers: Made by an anonymous engraver after 'Jean Theodore de Bry...

This remarkable map, titled "Asiae X Tab:", is a significant historical artifact that represents the convergence of knowledge and craftsmanship from two of the most esteemed figures in the history of geography and cartography. Created by Gerard Mercator and based on the geographical insights of Claudius Ptolemy, this map is part of the rare first issue published in Brussels in 1578. The map itself meticulously delineates the region between the Indus and Ganges rivers, an area of immense historical and geographical importance. It is an excellent representation of Ptolemy's second-century geographical data, which was fundamental in shaping the modern principles of mapmaking. Mercator, renowned for his precision and dedication to adhering closely to Ptolemy's original intentions, showcases this commitment through the detailed depiction of this significant Asian landscape. This edition stands out not only for its historical accuracy but also for its artistic execution. Gerard Mercator, who was also an innovator in the use of the italic hand for map lettering, first introduced this style in his "Literarum latinarum" in 1540. The use of italics in this map enhances its legibility and aesthetic appeal, which became a hallmark of the finest sixteenth and seventeenth-century Dutch maps, largely attributed to Mercator’s influence. The map measures 13 ½ x 18 inches and features fine hand coloring, which has been preserved in almost excellent condition alttough there some browning due to age. As a splendid example of the first issue from Mercator’s definitive edition of Ptolemy’s "Geographia", it not only serves as a testament to the rich history of geographical exploration but also stands as a beacon of the enduring legacy of its makers, shaping the future of cartographic design and precision. The map "Asiae X Tab:", focusing on the region between the Indus and Ganges rivers, highlights several areas and cities of historical and geographical importance that are likely of interest to scholars, historians, and collectors. Here are key locations depicted on the map: 1. **Indus River**: As one of the major rivers of Asia and a cradle of ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley Civilization, the Indus River holds significant historical importance. 2. **Ganges River**: Another crucial river not just for its cultural and religious significance in India, but also as a vital geographic feature in ancient and medieval maps...

Antique print titled 'This New Design of my Invention, is most humbly inscrib'd to the Rt. Honble Robert Walpole (..)'. Old print depicting a new de...

Antique map titled 'Carte de la coste Orientale d'Afrique - Kaart van de Oostkust van Afrika'. Original antique map of the east coast of Africa. Reaches from Cape of Good Hope an...

Antique map titled 'Plan de la Baye d'Alicant'. Black and white harbor chart /port plan of Alicante Bay, Spain. This map originates from the scarce atlas 'Recueil de Plusiers Plans d...

Antique map titled 'Horna vulgo Hoorn'. Bird's eye view plan of Hoorn, The Netherlands. With title cartouche, coats of arms and key. From an atlas published by De Wit, ca. 1698-1...

Antique print titled 'Plan des Thermes de Titus Partie Superieure'. Plan of the overground area of the Baths of Titus. The Baths of Titus or Thermae Titi were public baths (Thermae) built in 81 AD at Rome, by Roman emperor Titus...

Antique map titled 'l'Asie'. Original antique map of Asia. Engraved by André after Bonne. Published circa 1780.

Antique map titled 'Isle Dauphine communement nommée par les Europeens Madagascar, et St. Laurens (..)'. Original large-scale antique map of Madagascar...

Antique print titled 'Macasar, Capitale du Roiaume de même nom'. This rare print shows Makassar, the present capital of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. In the foreground several VOC ships...

Antique print China titled 'Hukoen of ou Hukeu'. Old print depicting a view on the Chinese city of Hukoen with its ramparts. This print originates ...

Antique print, untitled. This original antique print shows the islands Leyden, Middelburg, Hammenhiel, Bramines, Dona Clara and Deserta near Ceylon / Sri Lanka, with their Dutch name...

"1638 Plancius Detailed Map of Sri Lanka with Decorative Cartouches" This beautifully detailed map of Sri Lanka, titled "Ins. Ceilan," was engraved by P. Plancius from a design by C...

Antique map titled 'Die Insel Iuan Fernandes in der Sudsee (..)'. This map depicts Robinson Crusoe, one of the Juan Fernández Islands. Robinson Crusoe Island, formerly known as Más a Tierra, is the second largest of the Juan Fernández Islands. From 1704 to 1709, the island was home to the marooned sailor Alexander Selkirk, who at least partially inspired novelist Daniel Defoe's fictional Robinson Crusoe in his 1719 novel, although the novel is explicitly set in the Caribbean. This was just one of several survival stories from the period of which Defoe would have been aware. To reflect the literary lore associated with the island and attract tourists, the Chilean government renamed the place Robinson Crusoe Island in 1966. This map originates from a German edition of 'Voyage around the World...

"1710 Edward Wells Map of Ancient Greece: A New Map of Antient Greece, Tirana, Morea, Ilyricum, Sicily, and Macedonia" Description of the Map: This map, produced around 1710 and en...

Antique world map titled 'Carte generale du monde, ou description du monde terrestre & Aquatique - Generale Waereld kaart, of beschryving van de land en water waereld'. This is Pierr...

Antique map titled 'Regiae Celsitudinis Sabaudicae Status consistens in Sabaudiae ac Montisferrati Ducatus, Pedemontii Principatum (..). This map originates from 'Atlas Minor Sive Ge...

Antique map titled 'Generalis Totius Imperii Moscovitici (..)'. Decorative map of Russia and Central Asia, showing the Northeast Passage. The map covers the entirety of the Russian Empire at the time, stretching from the Arctic Circle in the north to the "Oceanus Orientalis" and the northern parts China (Chinae Septentrionalis confinia), Mongolia and India in the south. Published by J.B. Homann, circa 1730. Johann Baptist Homann was born 1664 in Oberkammlach. He founded his business 1702 in Nuremberg, Germany. After a long period of Dutch domination in map publishing, the Homann publishing house became the most important map...

Antique map titled 'Asiae XII Tab'. Mercator's Ptolemaic map of Taprobana. The map shows Ptolemy's erroneous location of the island of Sri Lanka near the equator, with a bit of India...

This map, titled "Karte des arabischen Meerbusens oder des Rothen Meeres," is an original engraving from 1787 created by F. A. Schraembl, based on the cartographic work of d'Anville. It is a partially colored copper engraving. Key features and notable details of the map include: 1. The title is prominently displayed within a large, ornate cartouche, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and indicating the map's subject as the Red Sea (Rothen Meeres). 2. The map covers the Red Sea and its surrounding regions, including significant portions of the Arabian Peninsula and northeastern Africa. 3. There are two detailed inset maps: - The first inset map shows the roadstead of the port of Suez (Rheede des Hafen von Sues). - The second inset map depicts Bahr el Kolsum, the northwestern arm of the Red Sea, based on a map by De la Rochette from 1785. 4. Geographical Features: The map meticulously details the coastline, islands, and notable port cities along the Red Sea. The cartography highlights both natural and man-made features, with elevations and mountains represented through hachures. 5. Condition and Preservation: The map has a horizontal centerfold and is partially backed to prevent tears. The edges of the map sheet show minor holes, tears, and faint brown spots, yet it remains in overall good condition considering its age. 6. Historical Importance: This map is a valuable historical document, reflecting the cartographic knowledge of the late 18th century. It serves as a significant piece for collectors interested in antique maps, particularly those focusing on the Arabian Peninsula and maritime navigation in the Red Sea region. The map shows the coastline of the Red Sea and the Arabian Peninsula, detailing regions and places along the western coast of Saudi Arabia and Yemen, as well as the eastern coast of Egypt and Sudan. Here are some of the most important places identified on the map: 1. Jeddah (Gedda): A major city and port on the western coast of Saudi Arabia, significant for its role as a gateway for pilgrims traveling to Mecca. 2. Mecca (Mekka): A holy city in Islam, located inland from the Red Sea, important for being the site of pilgrimage (Hajj) for Muslims. 3. Medina (Medina): Another important Islamic city, known for the Prophet's Mosque and being a key pilgrimage site. 4. Suez (Suess): Located at the northern end of the Red Sea, near the Suez Canal, it's a crucial link between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. 5. Aden: A port city in Yemen, located at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, historically significant as a trading hub. 6. Mocha (Mokka): A port city in Yemen, historically known for being a major marketplace for coffee. 7. Sana'a: The capital city of Yemen, noted for its historical and cultural significance. 8. Bab el Mandeb: The strait connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, crucial for maritime navigation. These locations are critical due to their historical, religious, and economic significance, especially in terms of trade routes and pilgrimage sites. The map also illustrates the mountainous terrain and coastal features of the region. The condition and preservation status, which, despite minor imperfections, is considered well-preserved for its age. Overall, this map is a rare and valuable artifact, offering both historical insights and aesthetic appeal for collectors and enthusiasts of antique cartography.

Antique map, titled: 'Gedeelte van Barbaryen (…).' - Decorative hand colored map of a part of Barbary (Algeria) and Biledulgerid (Tegoryn, Zeb etc.), North Africa. Source unknown, to...

Description: Antique map titled 'Novissima et Accuratissima Totius Russiae vulgo Muscoviae Tabula'. Antique map of Western Russia and Ukraine, published by Justus Danckerts. The ma...

Antique map titled 'Nova Hibernia'. Antique map of New Ireland, an island in the Bismarck Archipelago, New Guinea. Lying just north of New Britain, from which it is separated by St. ...

Antique map of France titled 'Touraine - Turonensis Ducatus'. Decorative map of the Touraine region, France. It shows the cities of Tours, Amboise and others. Published by J. Jansson...

Antique map titled 'Kaart van de Geheele Wereld (..)'. Uncommon small world map on Mercator's projection. Nice detail of the islands throughout the wor...

Antique print titled 'Begraafplaats op het eiland Amsterdam'. Engraved view of a local cemetery on Amsterdam Island, a small French territory in the southern Indian Ocean. Origin...

Description: Antique map titled 'Paskaarte van de rievier de Elve streckende van Oldenbroek tot Hamburgh.' Rare and interesting chart of the East Frisian Islands (or Watten) and ...

Antique map titled 'A Map of Eastern Tartary as Surveyed by the Jesuits in 1709, 10 & 11'. The map covers much of the course of the Amur River or Heilong Jiang, the world's tenth lon...

Antique map titled 'L'Afrique'. Original antique map of Africa. With beautiful title cartouche and scale. Source unknown, to be determined. Artists and Engravers: Gilles Robert de...

Framed map of Mexico & Florida circa 1705, Paris. Small map with Mexico and the Gulf Coast. Inset text indicating Panama, Acapulco, Mexico City and the Mississippi. Extends North to ...

Antique map titled 'Nieuwe Kaart van Europisch Turkyen na de alderlaatste ontdekking in t licht gebracht'. Antique map of Greece with Crete and Cyprus, Turkey and the Black Sea. Publ...

Antique map titled 'Nova Totius Germaniae descriptio.' Miniature map of Germany, from the pocket atlas 'Introductionis in Universam Geographiam tam Veterem...

Title: Landtcarte Vonn dem Ambte Flensborg, ohne Nordgoeßherde. Anno 1648. Description: This exquisitely detailed and old coloured map of Flensburg was crafted by the noted cartogr...

Antique map titled 'Les Indes Orientales et leur Archipel'. Original antique map of India, the East Indies and the Philippines. Source unknown, to be determined. Published circa 1760.

Circa 1659 Blaeu Family Map: Glogau and the Odra River Valley, Silesia This hand-colored map from circa 1659 by the Blaeu Family, titled "Ducatus Silesiae Glogani Vera Delineatio," provides a detailed view of the Odra River valley in western Poland, centered around the city of Glogau. The map, based on the work of Silesian cartographer Jonas Scultetus, is oriented with north to the left. It intricately details forests, rivers, lakes, and numerous small villages. A large decorative title cartouche features an ornate coat of arms and a key to the map's symbols. The bottom right includes a finely crafted scale of miles cartouche, adorned with calipers and a pair of falcons. Published between 1659 and 1672, the map has Spanish text on the verso. Measuring 19.9 inches wide by 16.4 inches high, it is in good condition with full contemporary color on a bright sheet, a watermark of the god Atlas, some marginal soiling, and a few short tears along the edges. Keywords: - Blaeu Family map - Silesia historical map - Glogau map - Odra River valley - 17th-century Poland map - Jonas Scultetus - Decorative cartouches - Historical cartography - Antique maps of Poland...

1608 Hispaniae Novae Sive Magnae Vera Descriptio Framed Mexico Map. As found custom black wooden frame/ matting. This map is based on the work of Abraham Ortelius as is an example o...

Antique map titled ’Plan de la Baye et Isle d'Arguim (..) - Oppervlakte van de Baai en 't Eiland van Arguin (..)'. Original antique map of the bay and the island of Arguin. This ...

1634 Mercator/Jansson Map: Eastern Austria with Vienna, Hand-Colored This hand-colored map from 1634, titled "Austria Archiducatus," by Mercator and Jansson, depicts the eastern reg...

Antique print titled 'General front of Horse heath Hall in Cambridgeshire (..)'. Old engraving of Horseheath Hall, Cambridgeshire. The original Hall was the home of the Alington family and was visited by Queen Elizabeth 1...

Antique map titled 'Hémisphère Septentrional pour voir plus distinctement les Terres Arctiques (..)'. Map of the Northern Hemisphere, originall...