Rare Old Map of the British Empire in the Mediterranean, 1851: Gibraltar, Malta, Corfu, Zante, Etc.

Step into the strategic heart of the 19th-century Mediterranean with “British Possessions In The Mediterranean,” a masterwork of cartographic artistry published in 1851 by the renowned J. Rapkin and exquisitely illustrated by H. Winkles. This map, produced under the distinguished Tallis & Company imprint, is a vibrant testament to the British Empire’s maritime ambitions and the meticulous craftsmanship of the Victorian era. The original title itself signals the importance of the territories depicted, capturing the essence of a period when control of these key islands and outposts was vital to British naval supremacy and commercial influence.

J. Rapkin, celebrated for his precision and artistry, collaborated with the gifted engraver H. Winkles to create a map that is as much a work of art as it is a geographical document. Their partnership produced not only clear, colorful delineations of borders and coastlines but also a series of evocative illustrations that bring the Mediterranean’s bustling ports and distinctive vessels to life. The map’s decorative border and hand-colored outlines are hallmarks of Tallis’s celebrated style, merging aesthetic grace with practical clarity—a combination that has captivated collectors and historians for generations.

The map’s scope encompasses the British stronghold of Gibraltar, the storied islands of Malta and Gozo, and the constellation of Ionian Islands—including Corfu, Paxo, Cerigo, Zante, Cephalonia, Ithaca, and Maura. Each territory is rendered with remarkable detail, featuring town plans and physical relief that hint at the rugged beauty and strategic importance of these Mediterranean jewels. Borders are crisply defined, and the surrounding seas are elegantly depicted, inviting the viewer to explore the interplay between land and water that shaped the region’s history.

Notable features abound: inset maps provide close-up views of key islands, while finely engraved illustrations showcase the fortifications of Gibraltar, the harbors of Malta, and the unique boats that plied these ancient waters. The physical geography—mountains, coastal cliffs, and natural harbors—is rendered with a sensitivity that reflects both artistic skill and geographic knowledge. These elements are not merely decorative; they offer a window into the natural and manmade defenses that made these territories so coveted by empires.

A comprehensive index and gazetteer accompany the map, guiding the viewer through a rich tapestry of cities and towns—Valletta, Corfu, Zakynthos, Argostoli, and more—each steeped in history and cultural significance. The map’s historical context is palpable: created at a time when British influence in the Mediterranean was at its zenith, it stands as a vivid record of imperial ambition, maritime culture, and the enduring allure of these storied lands. For the discerning collector, this map is not only a decorative centerpiece but a gateway to the fascinating world of 19th-century Mediterranean geopolitics.

Cities and towns on this map

• Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory)
• Gibraltar
• Malta (Republic of Malta; then a British colony)
• Valletta (Malta)
• Vittoriosa (Birgu)
• Senglea
• Cospicua (Bormla)
• Mdina
• Rabat (Malta)
• Gozo (Victoria, also known as Rabat)
• Greece (Ionian Islands; then under British protection)
• Corfu (Kerkyra)
• Zakynthos (Zante)
• Argostoli (Cephalonia)
• Lixouri (Cephalonia)
• Lefkada (Santa Maura)
• Ithaca (Vathi)
• Kythira (Cerigo)
• Paxos (Gaios)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps: Detailed insets of Gibraltar, Malta, and several Ionian Islands (Corfu, Paxo, Cerigo, Zante, Cephalonia, Ithaca, Maura)
• Engravings of Mediterranean ports and harbors
• Depictions of various types of boats and ships used in the region
• Outlined borders of British possessions, with clear demarcation from neighboring territories
• The Mediterranean Sea, with surrounding smaller seas and channels
• Ornate decorative border framing the map, characteristic of Tallis maps
• Physical relief indicating mountainous regions and coastal features on the islands
• Notable fortifications and harbors, especially at Gibraltar and Malta

Historical and design context

• Created by J. Rapkin, with illustrations drawn and engraved by H. Winkles; published by Tallis & Company in 1851
• Features colorful hand coloring with outline colors, enhancing both vibrancy and clarity
• Decorative border and hand-colored outlines are hallmarks of Tallis’s celebrated style
• Focuses on British-controlled territories in the Mediterranean during the mid-19th century
• Highlights the strategic maritime and colonial interests of the British Empire in the region
• Illustrations provide insight into the maritime culture and naval presence of the era
• Includes detailed town plans and insets, providing a comprehensive view of the mapped areas
• Serves as a historical artifact demonstrating 19th-century cartographic techniques and British imperial interests
• The accompanying Index/Gazetteer and town plans make it a valuable reference for historians and researchers

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 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

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

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.