This is a stunning, large-scale sea chart of the Black Sea. The chart is centered on an elaborate compass rose and shows the coastline with incredible detail. The map was issued during the first phase of the Russian-Circassian War. During this period the Black Sea was a key strategic location in the power struggle between the British and French empires, the emerging Russian Empire, and the declining Ottoman Empire. The engraved seal of the Depot de la Marine is in the lower right corner with Prix trente Sols.

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Condition: A

A nice impression, issued folding on a bright sheet with a couple of tiny rust spots in the image, a small, unobtrusive stain in the Crimea, and some extraneous creasing in the bottom margin. There are archival repairs to short fold separations, a small hole above the map at top left, and several short edge tears at bottom.