World Map – Mercator Projection with Global Sea Routes, Published in 1857
€ 380
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1857
Technique
Copperplate engraving with original outline hand coloring, used to differentiate national and continental boundaries while maintaining a clean scientific prese
Sheet size
37.5 × 45.4 cm (14.8 × 17.9 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-05552-8
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
Condition summary: Excellent condition with strong impression and minimal toning. No tears, repairs, or significant foxing. Colors remain fresh, and the paper is strong throughout.
About this sheet
World Map – Mercator Projection with Global Sea Routes 1857
This attractive antique print shows a world map titled “Planiglob in Mercators Projection zur Übersicht der Erdfläche und der Seereisen,” meaning “Planiglob in Mercator Projection for Overview of the Earth’s Surface and Sea Voyages.” The map presents the world using Mercator’s projection, highlighting continents with colored borders and featuring detailed coastlines, major rivers, and mountain ranges. Notably, the map shows sea routes and comparative scales, providing a valuable overview for mid-19th-century navigators and scholars.
Published in 1857 by Justus Perthes in Gotha as part of Adolf Stieler’s renowned Hand-Atlas, this engraving was prepared under the editorial supervision of the distinguished German cartographer Heinrich Berghaus. Stieler’s atlas was celebrated for its clarity and precision, becoming an essential reference work in academic and scientific circles across Europe.
This map is significant as it illustrates global exploration and trade routes at a time when steamship travel was transforming international commerce and geopolitical relations. The depiction of ocean currents, longitudinal scales, and landmass outlines reflects the era’s focus on practical navigation and geographic understanding, essential for colonial expansion and scientific expeditions.
Condition summary: Excellent condition with strong impression and minimal toning. No tears, repairs, or significant foxing. Colors remain fresh, and the paper is strong throughout.
Framing tips: This world map will display beautifully in a black or dark wood frame to emphasize its cartographic precision, paired with a wide ivory or light cream mount to soften the presentation and draw attention to its detailed engraving. UV-protective glass is recommended to maintain the sharpness of its lines and prevent fading.
