Catalog Archive
Auction 131, Lot 575

"Carte Geographicque des postes qui trauersent la France", Tavernier, Melchior

Subject: France

Period: 1632 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20.8 x 16.1 inches
52.8 x 40.9 cm
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This is the first postal map of France. Each route is shown in great detail with all postal stops named. The routes leave Paris in a spider-like pattern with eight spokes and extend thoughout the county as far south as Nice. With three decorative cartouche including two title and a distance scale. The dedication portion of the decorative title cartouche is blank. Further embellished with the royal coat of arms at upper right and a large ship under full sail at left. Tavernier's imprint states "Avec Privillege du Roy." Note at right describes the postal system. Blank verso.

References:

Condition: B+

Lovely example in near fine condition with crisp, dark impression and large, complex watermark. A few lazy creases and printer's ink smudge, and soiling in margins.

Estimate: $800 - $1,000

Sold for: $475

Closed on 3/17/2010

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