Sheet 78. A very large original antique geological folding map, published by the Geological Survey.

A notable example of Victorian geological mapping centred on Snowdon in North Wales.

The map uses two first series Ordnance Survey maps as its base, the imprints at the bottom showing that the right half was published in 1840, and the left half in 1841. The geological information to the left-hand map was added in 1850, while that on the right-hand side was added in 1861-1864.

The intricacy of the geology is superbly brought out in the precise handcolouring. The gold, when caught in the light is particularly striking. Maps with such colouring were issued by the Survey into the early 20th century, but it was a time-consuming business, and the practice ceased once colour printing was of a good enough standard. I believe these handcoloured geological maps to be among the finest found in cartography.

A rare chance to buy a particularly large handcoloured map of a significant part of North Wales showing the geology of the area. The area covered includes Moelwyn Mawr, as well as Snowdon itself.

Size: unfolded, the map measures approx. 100cms x 68cms. Folded, approx. 17cms x 11cms.

Condition: The map has pencil annotations in the margins. It is a folding map, with tears along one or two of the folds, but nothing too awful (see photo). Green covers scuffed, but the map itself is in a good condition with wonderful handcolouring. Please study my photos.

Postage: £7.50 within the UK. £12.00 to Europe, £18.00 to USA etc.

I have other antique maps, books, prints etc. in my ebay shop - please see my other items.