FAQ
 
Are our prints genuine: ?
This is probably the most frequently asked question we get. The answer is simple. All of our prints are genuine. They were actually printed on the date shown in the description and are therefore genuine prints and not reproductions.
 
How old is the Print or Map ?
All of our maps and prints are genuine antiques and were published on or around the date stated. So, for example, a map such as Warwickshire by Thomas Kitchin circa 1760 means that that actual piece of paper is over 240 years old.
 
How big are the prints?

All sizes are given in centimetres and is of the image only and does not include text or a mount if one is provided.
 

What does “original hand colouring” mean?

It means that the print or map was tinted with watercolour by a professional colourist at the time of publication and prior to being sold.
 

What does “later hand colouring” mean?

This means the print or map has been tinted with watercolour sometime after publication.  In the case of some very old maps, such as Speeds, this could have been done 100 or 200 years after publication or more recently.  It is very difficult to determine the age of such colouring.  However, most prints that are termed ‘later hand colour’ have been more recently tinted.
 

What do you mean by “close cropped”?

This means that the print has been cut very close to or on the actual image leaving no border.
 

What do you mean “without loss”?

This means that although the print has been cut to the edge none of the actual image is missing.
 
What does “offsetting” mean?

It is the transfer of ink onto the paper surface from another part of the print or map or from another page, most common with centre folded maps that have probably been bound before the ink is dry.  This is normally just a very faint outline of the image on the other side of the page.
 

What is “foxing”?

These are brown stains, usually spotted, found on mainly old prints, that has been caused by damp. 
 

What does “soiling” mean?

This is just a general discolouration through dirt, fingerprints and general wear.
 

What does “browning” mean?

This is discolouration of the paper due to age.  Sometimes this browning can occur evenly, other times it can be blotchy.
 

What does “plate mark” mean?

This is the impression left by the edge of the printing plate.  This is rare in steel engraved plates and is more common in 18th century copper engraved plates.
 

What does “folio” mean?

This is normally a large format map or print where one large piece of paper has a single fold.
 

What is a centrefold crease?

This is a crease that has been caused by the map or print being folded.  Often this is just one fold in the middle, as in many large format and folio sized maps.  However, other prints have been folded several times.  These folds do not normally detract from the appearance of the map or print.