A superb small map with California as an island on the second Sanson model, showing two bays on the north end of the island. The island is also very narrow in the center, almost becoming two islands, a theory proposed by Father Luis Velarde. The map is densely covered with place names and the northern extremes are strangely elongated. Surrounded by Native Americans and birds, the large title cartouche in the entire upper left quarter conveniently obscures the northwest coast with the exception of a portion of the Terra Esonis incogn. Tobias Conrad Lotter's strong engraving style is evident. This is the scarce first edition with the imprint "Jm Verlag bey I.M. Will Kunstv: in Agsburg" at bottom center below the neatline.

References: McLaughlin #221; Tooley (Amer) pp. 133, #95

Condition: B+

Great, early impression. Previously folding, now pressed. The margins are narrow, as issued and the imprints below border (Lotter & Seutter) at both corners are a little weak or smudged.