Old Naval Chart from Cape Cod to Newfoundland by Seller, 1674: New England, Nova Scotia, Avalon Peninsula

Our first gaze falls upon 'A Chart of the Coast of America from New found Land to Cape Cod' by the esteemed cartographers John Seller, John Colson, William Fisher, James Atkinson, and John Thornton. This naval chart, published in 1674, is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and scholarly rigor of its creators. The chart's main subject is the coastline of North America, stretching from Long Island in the south to Newfoundland in the north. This geographic region, steeped in rich history and cultural significance, is rendered with an impressive level of detail and accuracy, a testament to the skills and knowledge of the mapmakers.

The historical significance of this map is manifold. It was published around the same time as the final acquisition of New England from the Netherlands in 1674, marking a pivotal moment in the colonization of the New World by the English. The map provides a unique glimpse into the geopolitical landscape of the time, with the Treaty of Westminster in 1674 permanently relinquishing New Netherland to the English and King Philip's War being fought in New England from 1675 to 1676. The chart is also adorned with images of beavers north of the River Canada (St. Lawrence River), subtly alluding to the burgeoning fur trade initiated by the formation of the Hudson's Bay Company in 1670.

The map's style is characteristic of the naval charts of the era, combining aesthetic appeal with practical utility. The chart closely follows the outline of the landmark map of Dutch chartmaker Joannes van Loon, but with significant improvements and new information. For instance, the map includes St John Isle (or Prince Edward Island), which was missed by Van Loon and not replaced by any other cartographer to date. It also improves the depiction of the Avalon peninsula in Newfoundland with the English knowledge learned through John Mason. The R. Sauguenay and Les Trois Riviere are both prominently inserted in detail, extending the area of coverage westwards to take in the English settlement in New England.

In addition to the aforementioned enhancements, the map also boasts a far better knowledge of the English settlements in New England, adding Boston and Charlestown (the former previously called "Briston"), as well as New London and "Plimouth". The bathymetry of the banks off of Canada and New England is significantly improved, with dozens of soundings across the major banks. Laurence Worms, in his essay on Seller and Pepys, praises Seller's North American cartography as being of substantial merit, noting that Seller was rather more interesting and original in his work in his cartographic depiction of the British Colonies in North America. In sum, 'A Chart of the Coast of America from New found Land to Cape Cod' is a remarkable artifact that not only offers invaluable insights into the history and geography of North America but also showcases the artistic and scientific achievements of its creators.

• Significant Routes or Trails:
• The chart covers the major maritime routes along the North American coastline during the 17th century.

• It illustrates the path of English expeditions into the region via Hudson Bay and James Bay between 1668 and 1673.

• Major Cities:

• The map includes Boston, previously referred to as "Briston".
• Charlestown is also depicted on the map.
• The map also marks New London.

• "Plimouth" is another city marked on the map.

• Historic Landmarks or Events:

• The map represents the final acquisition of New England from the Netherlands in 1674.
• It reflects the geopolitical changes following the Treaty of Westminster in 1674, which saw New Netherland permanently relinquished to the English.
• The map was published during the period of King Philip's War, fought in New England from 1675 to 1676.

• The map subtly alludes to the burgeoning fur trade, with images of beavers north of the River Canada (St. Lawrence River), marking the commencement of the fur trade by the English with the formation of the Hudson's Bay Company in 1670.

• Geographic Features:

• The map covers the coastline of North America, stretching from Long Island in the south to Newfoundland in the north.
• It includes St John Isle, or Prince Edward Island.
• The Avalon peninsula in Newfoundland is depicted with improvements based on English knowledge learned through John Mason.
• The R. Sauguenay and Les Trois Riviere are both prominently inserted in detail.
• The map extends the area of coverage westwards to take in the English settlement in New England.
• The bathymetry of the banks off of Canada and New England is significantly improved, with dozens of soundings across the major banks.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.