All items offered for sale by The Map Chest are authentic and were printed at or near the date listed. The Map Chest does not sell reproductions of any kind.

We find it to your advantage, as to ours, to provide clear description and condition statements. We strive to acquire quality antique maps. But our items are, by definition, hundreds of years old. As such, the flaws and imperfections that come with age affect maps. Our intent is to inform you of the facts, the flaws and the beauty that come with these marvelous bits of history.

Descriptions:

Maps will be described with the following:

• Maker: This is the person - cartographer, engraver or publisher - most often associated with the production of a particular map. "Unknown" or "Anonymous" will show when no individual person can be connected to the creation of the map.
• Title: The title is given verbatim as seen on the map. Occassionally, lengthy titles will be abbreviated, showing (...) to indicate that portions of the title are missing.
• Date: When known, the precise year a map was printed is provided. "Circa" is used to describe the approximate year of printing when the precise year is unknown. The description on the Details page of each item will clearly articulate if the date of a given item is known precisely or estimated. In some instances, a map was printed in a year that is different from the year actually imprinted on the map. We will so note when this is the case.
• Location: The city and/or country where the map was printed.
• Price:The price of the map less sales taxes.
• Code: Every item we sell is unique and has a specific inventory code assigned to it. The inventory code ensures that you will get the exact map that is advertised for sale. On those occasions when we have two original copies of the same map we will still assign separate inventory codes to each map. Even original copies of the same map will have different qualities and imperfections. Inventory codes, and prices, will reflect those differences.
• Size: Map dimensions are given with the height first and the width second. Dimensions provided are of the printed image and are not the size of the paper. Width of margins is discussed in the "Condition" statement that accompanies each map. Map dimensions are provided first in centimeters followed by dimensions in inches. Dimensions are rounded to the nearest centimeter and the nearest half inch.
• Description: On the Details page of each map we will provide whatever information we think is relevent to that particular item. This is where we will note if the date of the map is estimated (i.e "circa") or known precisely. If we know the plate or state of the map, we will so note here. References to carto-bibliographic publications will be posted here so that you might pursure research on a specific item. And since a love of history frequently accompanies an interest in old maps, this is where we will make notes on some of the cartographers of the age. We will also occasionally make connections to historical events, both related and un-related to the map, that help put a particular item into its overall context in history.
• Condition: Describing condition is a very subjective exercise. Rarely are maps of these ages in perfect condition. Even the best of the best usually have one or two minor flaws. In an effort to make conditions clear, we will use "Condition Categories" (described below) followed by detailed notes on the imperfections and strengths of each item. Map color will also be covered here, whether it be outline color, full color or black and white. "Original Color" will describe maps colored at or near the time of printing. "Later Color" will describe maps that have been clearly colored long after the map was printed. When there is doubt about the coloring of a map, we will describe it as "Outline color" or Full Color" without reference to when it was colored. We are happy to discuss these cases with you.

We will use the following "Condition Categories" to describe each item:

• Excellent: This is the highest classification we use. The item described is in the top ten percent, or best condition, for all maps of similar age. Very minor imperfections or repairs may still be present and will be noted.
• Very Good: This category describes maps that generally fall in the upper one third, but not the top ten percent, in terms of condition for maps of a similar age. Maps refered to as "Very Good" have strong impressions and minor flaws or repairs that will be described in detail.
• Good: These maps fall in the top half, but not the top third, in terms of condition for maps of similar age. These are maps with four or more minor flaws, but which still have good impressions with the map image intact. These maps may have had some minor restoration or repairs.
• Fair: Maps in this condition may have signifcant flaws or major restoration. The Map Chest generally does not purchase maps in this condition, with two exceptions. First, maps that are extremely rare or that reflect major landmarks in cartography. In these cases, condition may be secondary to the fact that the map exists at all. Second, we will from time to time acquire ornate and attractive maps in this condition when they allow us to offer them significantly below the market price of the same map in better condition. In these cases, we will still be offering maps where the image is intact but which may have major flaws or repairs. These maps will still be originals and will present themselves nicely when framed, but at a much lower cost to the buyer than maps in excellent condition.