DesBarres (1776) Chart of Nantucket Island, published by the Mass. Historical Society, circa 1966

DesBarres (1776) Chart of Nantucket Island and the Eastern Half of Martha’s Vineyard, published by the Massachusetts Historical Society in association with Haley & Steele, Newbury Street, Boston, circa 1966, the renown high quality facsimile of the original chart depicting the islands’ natural and human topography including roads, residences and numerous landmarks; oceanic details include soundings, shoals, rocks and other hazards, particularly in the Sound, and there are sailing directions for entering Nantucket Harbor and navigating Muskeget Shoals and other hazardous waters.

This is a contemporary museum quality hand colored chart re-struck from the original copperplate engraving done by Joseph F.W. DesBarres (British: 1722 – 1824) in 1776, issued on its own and as an inclusion in his “Atlantic Neptune” compendium of charts rushed into print in 1777 for use by the British navy during the opening months of the American Revolution. He repeatedly improved and revised the charts up to 1781 (and possibly later). This was the first published map of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, and the remarkable accuracy and detail were not surpassed until the U.S. Coast Survey charted the region in the mid-19th century.

This chart was purchased directly from the Haley & Steele Gallery in 2002 and remains in excellent condition, mounted with conservation matting in a contemporary ebonized frame with gilt filet.

Measures: 31-3/4 in H x 44-1/2 in W
Framed: 40-3/4 in H x 52-3/8 in W