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Since last November I've been sharing with you some of the exceptional aquatint prints from Jenkins The Martial Achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 and Jenkins The Naval Achievements of Great Britain, From the Year 1793 to 1817.  Interest in armed conflict with stories of campaigns and battles and the continuing assessment of leaders, tactics and their strategy remains ever popular with military history enthusiasts, historical reenactment groups and antique print collectors.

Closely inked to this interest is a passion for collecting associated military battle plans and maps.  Most of these provide military signs and illustrations of fortifications while also providing a knowledge of topographical peculiarities of a country or area to enable a proper understanding of military history. These special 'battle plan' maps are indispensable as such information is simply not available within general geography. 
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Above: The Battle of Dresden 26th & 27th August 1813, from the Atlas to Alison's History of Europe By Sir Archibald Alison by Alexander Keith Johnson, F.R.S.E F.R.G.S. F.G.S.  Published by William Blackwood & Sons, Edinburgh and London c1875. Original map produced with mechanical outline colour. Addition later fine wash hand colour embellishments make this a unique edition of the map.

The Battle of Dresden (26–27 August 1813) was a major engagement of the Napoleonic Wars. The battle took place around the city of Dresden in modern-day Germany. With the recent addition of Austria, the Sixth Coalition felt emboldened in their quest to expel the French from Central Europe. Despite being heavily outnumbered, French forces under Napoleon scored a victory against the Army of Bohemia led by Field Marshal Karl von Schwarzenberg. However, Napoleon's victory did not lead to the collapse of the coalition, and the weather and the uncommitted Russian reserves who formed an effective rear-guard precluded a major pursuit. Three days after the battle, the Allies surrounded and destroyed a French corps advancing into their line of withdrawal at the Battle of Kulm.

These maps and plans provide great incite into such military operations and are a valuable source of information to the ever growing number of passionate military collectors.

You can see more military battle plans HERE.

Happy Hunting!
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Another book recommendation for novice antique map collectors is The Mapping of Australia by Ronald Vere Tooley. This volume presents a brief historical account of the Mapping of Australia; to show its evolution from a theoretical conception to a precise fact; the slow emergence of its outline throughout the centuries; the first fixing of its exact limits on the maps of the world; followed by an alphabetical list of maps relating to Australia formerly in Mr Tooley's possession, and now reposing in the National Library in Canberra.

The list of maps is not exhaustive but a considerable body of material has been assembled to illustrate one of the most varied and interesting subjects in the whole history of regional geography. The work, which is further enhanced by the inclusion of facsimiles of 239 maps of the period, will provide a reliable reference to future carto-bibliographical research for librarian, bookdealer and private collector."
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Above: The Mapping of Australia. Tooley, R.V. with an index compiled by Douglas Matthews. Publisher: Holland Press Cartographica and Richard B. Arkway. first edition (London, 1979)

As previously mentioned I recommend developing a reference library geared towards your specific subject of interest.  The benefits are many and the knowledge you gain will help you with the decision making process when it comes to future investments for your map collection.

These books are a great resource when it comes to understanding about maps and learning about your subject of interest.  

More info on "The Mapping of Australia" can be found HERE

Happy Reference Book Hunting!
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​Just four of the exceptional aquatint prints available now in my March Sale. Included with each print is the original folio printed text pages account of the action as first published with the prints by James Jenkins. Beautiful aquatint prints and very collectable. I have prints available from the two works published by James Jenkins: "The Martial Achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815." and "The Naval Achievements of Great Britain From the Year 1793 to 1817".
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Above: Top Left: Battle of St Jean De Luz 1813Top Right: Siege of St Sebastian 1813Bottom Left: Battle of Vittoria, Bringing in the Prisoners  Bottom Right:  Battle of Morales 1813.

All aquatint engravings on a medium weight wove paper. Plates also exist that were printed on India Paper. They should clearly identify bottom left W. Heath (delt) who did the drawings and bottom right T. Sutherland (sculpt) who produced most of the aquatint engravings with some by D. Havell, M. Dubourg and J. Hill.  Each plate has the date of publication and the name of the publisher beneath the engraved title.  The approx engraved area of the plates are 8.5" x 7.75" (215mm x 195mm) including the engraved title text.  Engraved plate mark area is approx 8.5 x 11.75 (215mm x 300mm).  The large sheet size is approx 11.5" x 14" (290mm x 355mm).

Here is the link to see more prints: "The Martial Achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815."




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Just four of the exceptional aquatint prints available now in my March Sale. Included with each print is the original folio printed text pages account of the action as first published with the prints by James Jenkins. Beautiful aquatint prints and very collectable. I have prints available from the two works published by James Jenkins: "The Naval Achievements of Great Britain From the Year 1793 to 1817" and "The Martial Achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815."
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Above: Bombardment of Algiers, Aug 27th 1816.  Capture of the Island of Banda, Aug 9th 1810. Capture of Argus, Aug 14th 1813. Capture of Le Sparviere, May 3rd 1810.

All original aquatint engraving on medium weight wove paper with wide margins. Good overall condition with exceptional original colour. The plate has the date of publication and the name of the publisher beneath the engraved title. The approx engraved image area of the plate is 7" x 10.25" (175mm x 260mm). Engraved plate mark area is approx 8.5 x 11.75 (215mm x 300mm). The folio sheet size is approx 11.5" x 14" (290mm x 355mm).

"As a record of naval events spanning a period of over twenty years it has no precedent. At no time prior to 1817 had a publisher attempted such a complete volume of documentary naval prints. It is the quality of accuracy which makes Jenkins so valuable" Roger Quarm curator of pictures at the National Maritime Museum 1998.


Please contact me directly if you have any questions about these original aquatint prints.  More examples of these fine prints HERE


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If you were investing serious money you’d be a fool not to do your due diligence. Only then can you walk away perfectly happy and comfortable holding that investment if the market shuts down for the next ten years. Hence the Warren Buffett quote on investing. What does this have to do with buying rare maps and prints online?
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 ​I bet you’ve heard this said before “I forgot to check the small print”. Ever done that yourself over some really important transaction or deal? Most of us have made this mistake at sometime.  Buying online has become so simple these days that it’s easy to forget to check on the details!

When it comes to those scarce old maps or collectable prints these items often can have a high value. All the more reason to make sure you check the description and images provided and contact the seller to ask for additional information and images if need be. You should also check:
  • What are the delivery costs?
  • How will the item be protected in transit? (Insurance)
  • Will the item be shipped Internationally? (Extra fees/taxes)
  • What payment options does the seller offer?
  • Does the seller have a returns policy?​​
Its fair to say that when buying online you need to have your wits about you.  There are many reliable and trustworthy online antique map and print dealers and sellers. Its simply good business practice to check the small print so you can buy with confidence.

​Happy Buying!

More help with "Buying Rare Maps and Prints Online" in this free ebook available on my START PAGE 
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Another print from James Jenkins The Naval Achievements of Great Britain.  These original prints are aquatint engravings on a medium weight wove paper and coloured by hand.  The Action of 24 June 1795 was a minor naval engagement fought in the Western Basin of the Mediterranean Sea during the French Revolutionary Wars.

​This print depicts the confrontation between two British and two French naval ships. Minerve was a French 40-gun frigate launched in 1794. On 23 June 1795, she and the 36-gun Artémise engaged the frigates HMS Dido and Lowestoffe. Minerve surrendered to the British, Artémise having fled, and was commissioned in the Royal Navy as HMS Minerve.
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Above: Capture of La Minerve, June 24th 1795. Published May 1st 1816 at 48 Strand for J. Jenkins Naval Achievements.  From The Naval achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1793 to 1817 by J. Jenkins.

How to Identify the Prints:

The original prints from "The Naval Achievements of Great Britain. From the Year 1793 to 1817" are aquatint engravings on a medium weight wove paper.  All the plates identify at bottom left Painted by T. Whitcombe and bottom right T. Sutherland (sculpt) who produced the aquatint engravings.  Some plates were engraved by Jeakes and Bailey after Whitcombe.  Each plate is accompanied by text pages describing the action, often with lists of ships captured or sunk, and excerpts from contemporary bulletins, dispatches, letters, and speeches.  The first edition appeared in 1817.  Early issues have watermarks of J. Whatman with the undated watermark IIS&S  on some plates. The vignette title page was uncoloured in the first issue.  The approx engraved image area of the plates are 7" x 10.25" (175mm x 260mm). Engraved plate mark area is approx 8.5 x 11.75 (215mm x 300mm). The folio sheet size is approx 11.5" x 14" (290mm x 355mm).


You can see more prints from Jenkins The Naval Achievements of Great Britain, From the Year 1793 to 1817 HERE.  If you're interested in a specific print and you cannot see it on my website please feel free to message me
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Here's another book recommendation for the novice antique map collector especially if you're interest is the British Isles.  County Atlases of the British Isles is designed as an aid to the study of the evolution of the English county atlas by establishing the genetic relationship between atlases, by tracing the history and successive users of map-plates, and by providing descriptions in such detail as to enable loose sheets, single maps, to be assigned to the atlas in which they were originally issued.

A section of particular value is that on the history of the English map trade during the Tudor and Stuart periods. This original contribution to the subject is made from systematic examination of original documents such as map-sellers catalogues and wills. Important too are the three separate, comprehensive indexes: of persons, subjects, and titles.
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Above: Collecting Antique Maps - County Atlases of the British Isles 1579-1703. Skelton R.A. Sometime Superintendent of the Map Room in the British Museum and Honoray Secretary of the Hakluyt Society. Publisher: Carta Press 1970.

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ollectors of county maps and atlases will find Skelton's authoritative book an indispensable reference work of permanent value.  Developing a reference library geared towards your subject of interest is well worth doing. If that interest is the  'British Isles' then this is a super reference work that will set you right especially if you want to invest in   maps of Books like this one are a great resource when it comes to understanding about maps and learning about your subject of interest. The benefits are many and the knowledge you gain will help you with the decision making process when it comes to future investments for your map collection.  

I have a copy of "County Atlases of the British Isles 1579-1703" available on my website HERE

Happy Reference Book Hunting!


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Another print from Jenkins The Martial Achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815.  Below the print is a short excerpt from the original written account as published with the print.  The Battle of Barrosa also known as the Battle of Chiclana or Battle of Cerro del Puerco was part of an unsuccessful manoeuvre by an Anglo-Iberian force to break the French siege of Cádiz during the Peninsular War. This was British officer, Lieutenant General Thomas Graham’s notable victory over the French during the march to Cadiz in the Peninsular War.
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Above:​ Battle of Barrosa March 5th 1811. London Published June 1st 1815 by J. Jenkins, 48 Strand.  From The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 by James Jenkins.

Excerpt from the written account as published:
THE BATTLE OF BARROSA.

THE annexed illustration shews the pinewood from which the enemy commenced a most determined and destructive fire on our troops. The centre of the print, or middle-ground, is occupied by the artillery of the enemy in full retreat; and the fore-ground represents the charges of the three companies of Guards and the 87th regiment on the enemy's troops commanded by General Laval.

The following is an Extract from Lieutenant-General Graham's Letter to the Earl of Liverpool, dated Isla de Leon, 6th and 10th March, 1811.

My division being halted on the eastern slope of the Barrosa height, was marched, about twelve o'clock, through the wood towards the Bermesa, cavalry patrols having previously been sent towards Chiclana without meeting with the enemy. On the march I received notice, that the enemy had appeared in force on the plain, and was advancing towards the height of Barrosa. As I considered that position as the key of that of Santa Petri, I immediately countermarched, in order to support the troops left for its defence; and the alacrity with which this manoeuvre was executed, served as a favourable omen. It was, however, impossible, on such intricate and difficult ground, to preserve
order in the columns, and there never was time to restore it entirely. But before we could get ourselves quite disentangled from the wood, the troops on the Barrosa bill węre seen returning from it, while the enemy's left wing was rapidly ascending. At the same time his right wing stood on the plain, on the edge of the wood, within cannon-shot. A retreat in the face of such an enemy, already within reach of the easy communication by the sea-beach, must have involved the whole army in all the danger of being attacked during the unavoidable confusion of the different corps arriving on the narrow ridge of Bermesa nearly at the same time.

Trusting to the known heroism of British troops, regardless of the numbers and position of their enemy, an immediate attack was determined on. Major Duncan soon opened a powerful battery of ten guns in the centre. Brigadier-General Dilkes with the brigade of Guards, Lieutenant-Colonel Browne's (of the 28th) flank battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Norcott's two companies of the 2d rifle
corps, and Major Acheson with a part of the 67th foot (separated from the regiment in the wood), formed on the right; Colonel Wheatly's brigade, with three companies of the Coldstream Guards under Lieutenant-Colonel Jackson (separated likewise from his battalion in the wood), and Lieutenant-Colonel Barnard's flank battalion, formed on the left . . . 


How to Identify the Prints:
The original prints from The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 are aquatint engravings on a medium weight wove paper. Plates also exist that were printed on India Paper. They should clearly identify bottom left W. Heath (delt) who did the drawings and bottom right T. Sutherland (sculpt) who produced most of the aquatint engravings with some by D. Havell, M. Dubourg and J. Hill.  Each plate has the date of publication and the name of the publisher beneath the engraved title.  The approx engraved area of the plates are 8.5" x 7.75" (215mm x 195mm) including the engraved title text.  Engraved plate mark area is approx 8.5 x 11.75 (215mm x 300mm).  The large sheet size is approx 11.5" x 14" (290mm x 355mm).

You can see more prints from Jenkins The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815  HERE
If you're interested in a specific print and you cannot see it on my website please feel free to message me
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It’s unlikely you’re totally new to buying online, who doesn’t use Amazon? But would you be confident about buying a rare map or print and parting with several hundred dollars online?  The great thing about the online world is you can find many highly respected map and print dealers just a click away.  Plus you can buy without even getting off your sofa!  You just need to know what you’re doing and be confident about it.

If you’re considering buying via an online auction website or platforms like amazon, Etsy or good old ebay it’s sensible to check out the seller first.  Likewise with platforms like Facebook and Instagram taking some time to get to know who you're dealing with is time well spent.  All before you consider spending any money and buying.

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Above: A selection of Abraham Ortelius Maps for sale on a popular online platform. How confident would you be about buying?

Most online platforms provide some kind of buyers review feedback or ratings process for trading partners. Sellers know their reputation depends on it.  Doing business with reliable people makes life a whole lot easier.


This is all the more important when considering buying antique maps that are potentially rare and of value. Before you even get into examining the item itself you really should take a close look at the seller.  If it’s not an individual it may be an auction house website, same rules apply.  Start with checking out their reputation and expertise.

Get to know the kind of service the seller provides. Its important to know how the person or company operates their business and how they treat buyers.

 Get more top tips about "Buying Rare Maps and Prints Online" in this free ebook available on my START PAGE 
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Early etchings and copper engraved coats of arms from the 18th century are still very collectable.  How about these beauties. Ready to be mounted and framed they certainly look the part and would make a statement on that office wall. These Heraldic Achievement's from Baronageium Genealogicum by Joseph Edmondson c1764 are a favourite and when accurately hand coloured in water colour in accordance with the Heraldic codes are some of the best.
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The original prints from Baronageium Genealogicum were copper plate engraved on hand laid paper.  This kind of paper has a very distinct appearance and is identified by the visible lines seen in the paper when held up to a bright light.   You can actually feel the lines and slight roughness when you touch  this kind of paper. The original prints dimensions are width 10.75" x height 18”.  If you find them coloured its good to check the colouring is correct in accordance with the Heraldic Codes.  Most of this information is available online.

Happy Hunting!


More Coats of Arms from Baronageium Genealogicum by Joseph Edmondson c1764 available HERE - I have a few available in my current "Mad as a March Hare" Sale!