Catalog Archive
Auction 162, Lot 378

Rare and Intricately Detailed Spanish Sea Chart of Puerto Rico

"Carta Particular Esferica y Corografica de la Isla de Puerto Rico y las Adyacentes que a la Misma Pertenecen...", Direccion de Hidrografia

Subject: Puerto Rico

Period: 1854 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
35.3 x 23.5 inches
89.7 x 59.7 cm
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This chart of Puerto Rico depicts the topography of the island in fine detail. The island is divided into seven districts, which are identified at top left. Along the coasts, several ports, ravines, bays, river mouths, and more are located. The chart extends to show nearby island-municipalities Vieques and Culebra. An inset at bottom left provides a simple depiction of Isla de Mona. The island's first (and at the time of publication, only) lighthouse is colored yellow and red. It was built in 1843 atop Castillo San Felipe del Morro. A key at bottom indicates the symbols for towns and cities of various sizes as well as the various bottom types shown. Drawn by Miguel Moreno and engraved by C. Noguera with lettering by M. Giraldos. The chart was originally drawn in 1842, with this edition updated to 1854. Spanish sea charts are rare on the market.

References:

Condition: B+

A nice impression on a sheet with a scallop shell and "J. G. O." watermarks, light damp stains, a few small stains in unengraved areas, and one small worm hole. There are edge tears in the blank margins that have been closed on verso with archival material.

Estimate: $950 - $1,200

Sold for: $560

Closed on 4/26/2017

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