Part of South Australia Tallis antique map c1853.

by John Tallis & Company

John Tallis South Australia antique map with mining regions c1853. This map has interesting geographical notations, and the tracks of explorer Edward John Eyre (1815-1901). Small vignette engravings of Adelaide, Dingo or Australian Dog, Nymphicus (parrot), Natives on a Catamaran (raft), and Seal of South Australia.

Although not the whole state of South Australia, this is the most decorative map ever published. Showing the settled land around Spencer gulf, the map has original watercolour coastline wash; and coastline, counties and mining districts highlighted with pen. This map also has fine later watercolouring of the intricately-engraved border and vignettes.

Tallis and Company publishers were renowned for the accuracy of their maps which were engraved by John Rapkin, and for the delicate embellishment of their maps with finely engraved title, borders, and views of regional importance. This map was published in 1853 by John Tallis & Company, London & New York. Tallis maps were among the last decorative maps published, as the labour-intensive skilled engraving of the decorative work added considerably to the time and cost of production.

It is a very pretty antique map of South Australia. This map does not have the usual central horizontal fold as it was published for a large atlas. It has slight damage along the top (with two small archival tape reinforcements) and a slightly reduced left-hand margin. 

Map Size: 360-365mm x 280mm (14 1/4 x 11 inches).