New Zealand Ocean Currents Submarine Telegraph Lines 1883 Lett's map
Brian DiMambroStatistical Map of New Zealand.
(Old Maps, 19th Century Maps, Oceania, New Zealand, North Island, South Island, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Ocean Currents, Submarine Telegraph Lines).
Issued 1883, London by Letts, Son & Co.
Attractive and fascinating 19th century color lithographed map. Nicely detailed, showing features in the key such as lighthouse locations, overland and ocean cable lines, ocean currents, a population census, etc.
A late re-issue of the SDUK plates from the 1830's & 40's, here transferred from steel to a lithographic process of printing, with amendments made to the maps during the process. Hence, Lett's firm did not merely re-issue the SDUK maps, but created entirely new maps using completely different printing technologies with unique and pleasing visual results. For instance, most SDUK maps were issued either in B&W or with narrow outline hand color, here the thick coloring altering the end result.
Well preserved, nice looking example with pleasing age patina, fresh and almost as issued.
Sheet Measures c. 17"H x 14"W.
Engraved Area Measures c. 15 3/4"H x 12 5/8"W.
Cartographic Reference(s):
Tooley's Dictionary of Mapmakers, vol.3, pp. 125-6.
[R35810].