"[Lot of 2] Plan von der Festung Sewastopol... [and] [On 4 Sheets] Special-Karte der Halbinsel Krymm", Schropp & Handtke

This pair of incredibly detailed maps covers the main theater of the Crimean War. The Crimean War pitted Russia against an alliance of France, the Ottoman Empire, Britain, and Sardinia in a fight for influence over territories of the declining Ottoman Empire, stemming in part from a conflict between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches in the Holy Land. Russia lost the war and, as a result, much of their influence in the region.

The first map, Plan von der Festung Sewastopol..., is in early printed color and depicts a bird's-eye plan of Sevastopol (19.9 x 19.9"), Crimea's capital, and the surrounding area. It shows the positions and constructions of the English, French, Ottoman, and Russian forces around Sevastopol and Baklava. The Siege of Sevastopol, which spanned from September 1854 to September 1855, is one the most legendary sieges in all of history. The second map, Special-Karte der Halbinsel Krymm, consists of 4 separate sections that when put together measure approximately 30.9 x 24.4". It includes an inset plan of Sevastopol and the surrounding military constructions and a small view of the city, highlighting the Telegraph Station and the Russian forts Konstantine, St. Nicklas, Alexander, and the Quarantine. Another inset focuses on the Kerch Strait, which connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. On the map there is an explanation of the state of roads and paths and how people, animals, and equipment may move around. Both maps are dissected, back in linen, and fold into a sleeve, which fits in a marbled paper-board slipcase with gilt spine.

References:

Condition: A

Both maps are fine impressions, issued folding, with minor foxing mostly concentrated along the folds. There is light wear to the slipcase, including a couple tears.