Description
This very rare chart of the Northern Coast of Poland with Gdansk, appeared in the rare English edition of Willem Blaeu's 'Het Licht der Zeevaert', an atlas of sea charts first published in 1608. 'Het Licht was an early example of a lifetime's expertise in maritime navigation, which would eventually lead to his appointment as Hydrographer to the Dutch East India Company around 1633.
Blaeu's aim with 'Het Licht' was to win over seafarers, who largely disliked printed manuals. They felt that printed chart books could not be updated with personal observations as easily as the traditional manuscript rutters, and were not as attuned to the concerns of sailors.
To counter this, Blaeu introduced innovative new chart symbols for beacons, buoys and shoals to make navigating safer, and made sure that each successive edition of 'Het Licht' carried the most up-to-date information. The maps themselves were engraved to the highest quality, possibly by Joshua van den Ende, to emphasize their clarity and ease of use.
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Condition / Coloring
We indicate the condition of each item and use our unnique HiBCoR grading system in which four key items determine a map's value: Historical Importance, Beauty, Condition/Coloring and Rarity.
We offer many maps in their original black and white condition. We do not systematically color-up maps to make them more sellable to the general public or buyer.
Copper engraved or wood block maps are always hand colored. Maps were initially colored for aesthetic reasons and to improve readability. Nowadays, it is becoming a challenge to find maps in their original colors and are therefor more valuable.
We use the following color keys in our catalog:
Original colors; mean that the colors have been applied around the time the map was issued.
Colored; If the colors are applied recently or at the end of the 20th century, then "colored", or "attractive colors" will be used.
Original o/l colors; means the map has only the borders colored at the time of publication.
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Invoice
The invoice and certificates of authenticity are available in the client center >Invoices
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The cancellation period will expire 14 calendar days from the day after the date on which you or a third party (other than the carrier and indicated by you) acquires, physical possession of the lot. To exercise the right to cancel you must inform Paulus Swaen Inc, of your decision to cancel this contract by a clear statement (e.g. a letter sent by post, or e-mail (amsterdam@swaen.com).
To meet the cancellation deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right to cancel before the cancellation period has expired.

