Complete Set of Blueback Charts of the South China Sea

"[Lot of 6] East India Archipelago [Western Route to China, Chart No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6]", Imray, James

This impressive and complete set of six blueback charts covers southeast Asia from approximately Jakarta (Sunda Strait) northeast to Singapore, Canton (Guangzhou), Hong Kong and Taiwan. In between these endpoints, numerous islands are identified and named in both the Java Sea and South China Sea. Of particular interest and relevant today is the depiction of the Spratly Islands on chart #4, where China and other nearby nations are building up reefs to create islands in this strategically important region. Each of the charts is filled with a multitude of navigational information including soundings, reefs, rocks, and shoals, as well as navigational routes and currents. There is also good information along the coasts of towns, capes, points, rivers, and mountain peaks. Lighthouses are marked with yellow and red, as is typical on Imray charts. Features a number of inset maps of important ports including Gulf of Bangkok, Saigon, Approaches to Amoy Harbor, etc. A remarkable set of charts of this important region.

A. East India Archipelago [Western Route to China, Chart No. 1], dated 1898 (49.2 x 40.1"). Condition: The sheet is cockled and rolls up unevenly (see images). Minor chips confined to the top and bottom blank margins. (B)

B. ... [Chart No. 2], dated 1898 (40.1 x 49.2"). Condition: There is a 3.5" edge tear at top and a few minor edge chips confined to the blank margins. (B)

C. ... [Chart No. 3], dated 1900 (40.1 x 49.2"). Condition: There is a a 2.5 x 1.5" chip out of the bottom left corner of the chart, a closed 8" edge tear at bottom, and a 1" edge tear also at bottom. Light toning at top with a few spots of foxing. (C+)

D. ... [Chart No. 4], dated 1898 (49.2 x 40.1"). Condition: The sheet is cockled and rolls up unevenly (see images). Light toning at right and a few small spots. (B)

E. ... [Chart No. 5], dated 1898 (40.1 x 49.2"). Condition: Minor staining at right and toning at top. (B)

F. ... [Chart No. 6], dated 1899. (59.9 x 39.5"). Condition: There is a 5" and 2" edge tear at bottom, light toning at top, and a bit of staining at right. (B)

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Condition:

See description above for details.