Catalog Archive
Auction 151, Lot 500

"[Lot of 2] A Correct Chart of the Bay of Biscay, Engraved for Malham's Naval Gazetteer [and] A Correct Chart of the Coast of Portugal, Engraved for Malham's Naval Gazetteer", Malham, John (Rev.)

Subject: Bay of Biscay, Portugal

Period: 1795 (dated)

Publication: Malham's Naval Gazetteer

Color: Black & White

Size:
7.4 x 9.4 inches
18.8 x 23.9 cm
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This lot includes charts of the Bay of Biscay and the Portuguese coastline. Both were engraved by Neele for Rev. John Malham (1747-1821), a writer and teacher of navigation, for Malham's The Naval Gazetteer; or, Seaman's Complete Guide. Size varies slightly.

A. A Correct Chart of the Bay of Biscay, Engraved for Malham's Naval Gazetteer. This lovely small chart of the Bay of Biscay features soundings as well as notes indicating the type of sand or the presence of rocks at various points on the ocean floor. A note off the northern coast of Spain states, "The depth of Water on the N. Coast of Spain is from 150 to 200 Fathoms generally Coral and Rocky Ground but even near the Land there is often no Ground at that Depth." There is good detail along the French and Spanish coastlines. A compass rose capped with a fleur-de-lis radiates rhumb lines at the map's center.

B. A Correct Chart of the Coast of Portugal, Engraved for Malham's Naval Gazetteer. This striking chart shows excellent detail of the Portuguese coast, identifying towns and cities, capes, forts, mountains, and rivers along the shore. Depth soundings, hazards, and anchorages appear as well. There is a fleur-de-lis with a note underneath that reads, "About this spot is supposed to exist a Submarine Volcano that occasioned the Earthquake Novr. 1st 1755." The Great Lisbon Earthquake was one of the deadliest earthquakes of all time and had an impact on Portuguese politics, the scientific study of earthquakes, and contemporary philosophical thought.

References: McCorkle (18th C. Geography Books) #251, Vol. I-8 & Vol. 2-1.

Condition: B+

Both charts issued folding with light offsetting and minor toning along the sheets' edges.

Estimate: $140 - $180

Sold for: $100

Closed on 11/19/2014

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