Rare Old Map of Lower Saxony by Lizars, 1828: Berlin, Hanover, Elbe River, Harz Mountains, North Sea

"Lower Saxony," an exquisite cartographic masterpiece created by William Home Lizars in 1828, offers a captivating glimpse into the historical and geographical intricacies of early 19th-century Europe. Lizars, a renowned Scottish engraver and publisher, is celebrated for his meticulous and artistic approach to mapmaking. This map is a testament to his skill, featuring detailed illustrations of towns, roads, forests, and other geographical features. It provides a window into the post-Napoleonic era, a time of significant political and territorial reconfiguration following the Congress of Vienna in 1815.

The map's design is a marvel of early 19th-century cartographic techniques, with its intricate demarcation of duchies, principalities, and bishoprics. Notably, it includes regions such as the Duchy of Holstein, Duchy of Mecklenburg, and the Principality of Luneburgzell, each carefully outlined to reflect the political landscape of the time. The presence of Berlin, prominently positioned on the right side despite being outside the depicted region, underscores the city's burgeoning importance as a central node in Germanic territories. This inclusion hints at the sociopolitical significance of Berlin during this transformative period in European history.

Geographical features are rendered with exceptional detail, showcasing the natural beauty and diversity of the region. The map highlights major rivers such as the Elbe, Weser, and Ems, which have historically been vital for trade and transportation. The Harz Mountains and Harz Forest are also prominently featured, adding a layer of natural topography that enhances the map's aesthetic and informational value. These features not only provide a sense of place but also offer insights into the natural barriers and resources that shaped the development of the region.

The map is rich with historical context, capturing the flux and transformation of 19th-century Europe. The careful delineation of borders and regions offers scholars and historians a valuable resource for understanding the evolving nature of territorial boundaries during this period. The inclusion of major roads connecting towns and regions reflects the growing importance of infrastructure in facilitating trade and communication. This map stands as a geographical tool and an artifact bearing witness to the significant political and social changes of the time.

William Home Lizars' "Lower Saxony" is more than just a map; it is a piece of history, a work of art, and a testament to the intricate craftsmanship of early 19th-century cartography. Its detailed depiction of towns, forests, rivers, and political boundaries provides a comprehensive overview of the region's geography and history. For collectors and enthusiasts of historical maps, this piece offers a unique opportunity to own a snapshot of a pivotal moment in European history, rendered with the precision and artistry that only Lizars could achieve.

Cities and towns on this map

• Berlin (though outside Lower Saxony, it is included on the map)
• Hanover
• Brunswick
• Göttingen
• Celle
• Luneburg
• Stade
• Osnabrück
• Hildesheim
• Wolfenbüttel
• Hamelin
• Goslar
• Emden
• Leer
• Aurich
• Wilhelmshaven
• Oldenburg
• Bremen
• Hamburg (though outside Lower Saxony, it is included on the map)
• Lübeck (though outside Lower Saxony, it is included on the map)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Rivers:
• Elbe River
• Weser River
• Ems River
• Forests:
• Harz Forest
• Bodies of Water:
• North Sea
• Mecklenburg Lake Plateau
• Mountain Ranges:
• Harz Mountains
• Historical regions:
• Duchy of Holstein
• Duchy of Mecklenburg
• Principality of Luneburgzell
• Principality of Halberstadt
• Roads:
• Major connecting routes between towns and regions
• Borders:
• Clearly marked boundaries of duchies, principalities, and bishoprics

Historical and design context

• Creation date: Circa 1828
• Mapmaker/Publisher: William Home Lizars, Edinburgh
• Interesting context about the mapmaker: William Home Lizars was a noted Scottish engraver and publisher known for his detailed and artistic cartographic works in the early 19th century.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Political boundaries: The map delineates various duchies, principalities, and bishoprics, reflecting the political landscape of the time.
• Geographical features: It includes detailed illustrations of towns, roads, forests, and other geographical features.
• Historical context: The map provides insight into the post-Napoleonic reconfiguration of German territories following the Congress of Vienna in 1815.
• Design and style of the map:
• The map features intricate cartographic techniques typical of the early 19th century, with careful demarcation of regions and detailed illustrations.
• Historical significance:
• The map captures the evolving nature of territorial boundaries during the 1820s, a crucial period in European history.
• It stands as a valuable resource for understanding the political and territorial shifts in German states that contributed to the formation of the German Confederation and later the German Empire.

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.