Ireland Map – Provincial and County Divisions 1851
€ 340
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1851
Technique
Copperplate engraving with original hand coloring used to delineate counties and provincial borders in subtle yet clear tones. German titles and detailed annot
Sheet size
37.5 × 45.4 cm (14.8 × 17.9 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-05552-22
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Technique: Copperplate engraving with original hand coloring used to delineate counties and provincial borders in subtle yet clear tones. German titles and detailed annotations are engraved with exceptional clarity typical of Stieler’s Hand-Atlas.
About this sheet
Ireland Map – Provincial and County Divisions 1851
This fine antique print shows Ireland titled simply “Ireland,” published in 1851 by Justus Perthes in Gotha as part of Adolf Stieler’s prestigious Hand-Atlas. The map was drawn and engraved by F. v. Stülpnagel, a noted German cartographer. It presents Ireland with detailed provincial and county boundaries highlighted in original hand coloring, and labels major towns, rivers, and mountain ranges with precision.
The map shows all four historic provinces – Connaught, Leinster, Munster, and Ulster – each outlined in different colors to distinguish their counties. Major cities such as Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Belfast are clearly labeled, as are regional features including Lough Neagh, the Shannon River, and mountain ranges like MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.
This map is significant as it captures mid-19th-century Ireland shortly after the Great Famine period (1845–1852), a time of major social and demographic change. It provides valuable insight into Ireland’s political geography under British rule and its transport connections, including towns, canals, and ferry routes.
Condition summary: Excellent condition with strong impression, minimal toning, and no tears, repairs, or significant foxing. Colors remain vivid and the paper is firm and stable.
Framing tips: This detailed map of Ireland will display beautifully in a dark wood or black frame to emphasize its cartographic clarity, paired with a wide ivory or cream mount to soften the presentation and highlight its decorative and historical value. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the engraving lines and original colors for long-term display.
