description

Size is mentioned by the plate mark, height is given first. When there is no plate mark we take the larged sizes of the illustration. In certain cases, we additionally mention the size of the sheet in the condition field.

The date and place mentioned in our catalog is the date when the item was made and published.
Where the publishing date is approximate, then c. (circa) is used.

We do not sell reproductions !

Except where noted to the contrary, the items are in good to fine condition.
Individual flaws are noted. Care has been taken, to note tears, spotting, browning, age-toning, restorations.
If we do not mention any faults in the condition report, you may assume there are none.

We are using some general terms covering the following standards:

Mint condition. Clean and bright paper with wide margins, very good and dark impression. If colored in strong original colors, and strictly applied at publication. No imperfections. Hard to find nowadays; perhaps 3% of the offered items are according to this rating.

Very fine condition. Clean and bright, with crisp engraved lines, good margins on sound paper. Possibly a very minor marginal restoration (usually small centerfold split, in the outer margin - accomplished professionally). Note: Each imperfection is described in the condition report.

Fine condition. Good and dark impression. Good margins and paper quality, with possibly very light (pleasant) age-toning. Possibly a small marginal tear, or just affecting the printed image - accomplished professionally. Note: Each imperfection is described in the condition report.

Good condition. Item has the usual minor wear and tear of an item of 200-500 years of age, however NO detracting imperfections in the image. Very light age-toning, possible minor discoloration in the image. Possible restoration of small tears has been accomplished professionally.
Note: Each imperfection is described in the condition report.

Fair condition. Noticeable imperfections. Paper may be age-toned or slightly browned or has slight spotting. Separations or tears entering image - restoration accomplished professionally. Note: Each imperfection is described in the condition report.

Poor condition. Needs significant repair and cleaning.

Sold as Is. If an item has faults that are hard to describe; or a book/atlas which contents is not according to the reference works, we sell the lot as sold as-is. The buyer has no right to return the item claiming that the item is not according to the catalog description.

Any lot differing from the catalog description in such a way that it affects the value of the item may be returned within one week of receipt, for a full refund of the purchase price.

We do not sell reproductions !

Maps were initially colored for aesthetic reasons and to improve readability. Original colors that were most often used were green, pink, orange and yellow for political sub-divisions, red to identify cities and towns, green for forests, brown for mountains, and blue for seas.
Color on maps may have been applied shortly after first printing (original color) or at any time subsequently.
If not otherwise stated: Colors have been applied by hand.

We use the following color keys in our catalog:
Original colors; mean that the colors have been applied around the time the map was issued.

Colored; If the colors are applied recently or at the end of the 20th century, then "colored", or "attractive colors" will be used. If a cartouche was traditionally left uncolored (as for example, Homann's or Seutter maps), and recent colors are applied, that will be mentioned.

Later colors; If the colors are applied somewhat in between the date of publication and the end of the 20th. century.

Original o/l colors; means the map has only the borders colored at the time of publication.

Later application of color to a map originally printed in black and white, does not make it a fake. Skillfully applied modern color enhances the beauty and thus, the value of many maps.
Old colors may have soaked into the paper and give oxidation, especially green color, whereas in general modern colors do not. The exact date of coloring is often difficult to determine with certainty. Please contact us if you would like more information on the color of a map.