Q & A

W. J. of Toronto, Ontario writes:

I purchased this map at a thrift store for 5 dollars, and at the time I thought it was a fairly attractive good quality reproduction of an old map. But as I examined it more closely at home, it appeared to be more than a reproduction. First of all, it's obvious to me that it is hand coloured. The paper is very heavy, almost the weight of bristol board, but very rough and grainy. There is an indentation all around and near the edge of the paper. In doing some research I think that's from the plate pressing down to print the etched image onto the paper.

All of these things seem to point to an original. I've seen examples of this map on the internet that are very close, except for the crest and the inscription to someone that are on either side of the top center zodiac wheel. Those maps were dated from the early 17th century. This one is dated 1649.

A few things cause me to doubt its date, again based on some internet research. I've seen it stated that paper of this age should have fine faint parallel lines showing through as a result of the paper making process at that time. There are none of these that I can see. And the watermark ("ARCHES") seems to be in a more modern font than I would have guessed would appear on paper of this age. There is no printing on the back of the map, and there is no fold in the center - these things seem to be very common on maps of this age since they typically come from an atlas.

Paper width 25.5 inches. Paper height 19.5 inches.
Width of Plate impression 23.5 inches. Height of Plate impression 16.75 inches.
Width of image 22.25 inches. Height of map image 15.50 inches

So, what do you think? Do I have a map printed in 1649, or a reproduction?

Thanks.

We asked Dirk Heinze to respond:

Without being able to inspect the map in person it is difficult to tell if it is laid down and what other imperfections there might be. All these factors contribute to value. This map is After Hondius by Nicolas Berey. The map you have depicted is state 3 (the first being in 1640). It is a desirable and sought after map that, of course depending on condition, would probably fetch about C$4,600-5,000 at auction.

The armorial gilt device on the book and cartouche on the map were popular in their day and many exactly same. I have been unable to determine a connection between the map and the book.