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Measurements:
Are given in inches, height is given first, then
width, excluding margins.
Condition:
All the maps and prints we sell are original
antiques, so their age must be kept in mind when considering condition.
The condition of all items is noted. Often maps (and large prints)
have centerfolds; they may also often have some edge discoloration
or general discoloration through age. Our catalogue entries will
not note minor faults, however any faults that we consider do materially
affect the item will be noted, such as repaired tears, foxing or
irregular staining, soiling, etc.
We
grade our maps on the following scale:
Art Source International has adopted
the following condition codes adopted from The
Antique Map Price Record & Handbook 1998. In addition to
a short descriptive statement. Their criteria are described below.
We have included these conditions in our online database of maps
and prints.
(A+) Excellent Condition
Clean and bright, with crisp engraved lines.
On sound paper with wide margins. Fine quality coloring.
(A) Very Good Condition
Clean and bright, with crisp engraved lines.
On sound paper with no imperfections in the image. Small tears
or minor discoloration in the margin only. Very good quality coloring.
(B)
Good Condition
No
significant imperfections. Minor spotting, foxing, short separations
on centerfold with no image loss, or overall age toning may be
present. May have narrow margins but paper is still sound. Good
coloring.
(C)
Fair Condition
Noticeable imperfections. Scattered
foxing or spotting. Long separations on centerfold or tears entering
image, which can be easily repaired. Color may be slightly faded.
(D)
Poor Condition
Needs significant repair and cleaning.
Paper may be highly acid and brittle. Color may be faded.
Coloring:
Please note that we are dealers in very high
quality antique maps and prints for more than 20 years and most
of our maps have original coloring. The coloring of every antique
map and print is clearly noted.
Warranty/Authenticity:
 We
guarantee the authenticity and condition of each map/print described
in this catalog. Defects in our maps/prints offered for sale have
been carefully noted. However, any map or print differing from the
catalog description may be returned within one week of receipt.
Please notify us prior to returning.
An official
Certificate of Authenticity accompanies every antique
map and print purchased.
Each certificate details the map title, map maker, condition, production
date, coloring, and a full description. Each certificate is signed and
dated, and printed on beautiful parchment paper. We recommend mounting this
certificate on the back of your framed map for future reference.
As ever, in
the world of antique maps and prints, your primary protection is
the integrity, expertise and reputation of the dealer.
Modern reproductions
are of course on the market, but these are normally quite recognizable
as such, indeed are so modern in appearance as to be readily distinguished
from an original.
Restoration
is another matter. Some antique maps may have had minor repairs
carried out. Any and all repairs to our maps and prints are noted
in their descriptions.
Notes
on the images in our web site
Many factors
come into play when illustrating maps and prints on the Internet;
the main ones being…
- The images
as displayed on your monitor screen are for guidance only.
- The quality
of the scanning or imaging device. We use a top of the line Olympus
Digital Camera D-600L still camera for the best images possible.
- Color variations
between different computer monitors, the lighting conditions in
which images are viewed and even the Windows color scheme used
when viewing images.
- The image
compression needed to reduce the image file size to a reasonable
level for transmission over the Internet - this is a major drawback
as the compression levels needed are far too high for a really
good image.
- Larger items
present the greatest problem. When an image of a large map or
print is reduced in size and compressed much of the detail is
lost. Until Internet technology improves, this will be unavoidable.
- Most images
are not actual size - remember to check the dimensions given.
- If you need more detailed information on any of our items please call us
and we can discuss what information you would like to know.
- Many of
the items illustrated are cropped close to the image edge; this
reduces the image file size considerably allowing us to illustrate
more items. Unless otherwise stated they do have wide margins.
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