DESCRIPTION: Very decorative 20th century British nautical chart of the Alaskan West Coast that expresses much of the fine character of the older copper-plate engraved navigation charts. Detailed soundings in the Bering Sea from Alaska westward 51 miles to Asia with Cape Dezhnev ( Dezhneva ) in Russia. This large attractive specimen is graced with four splendid inset profile views that show the rugged, snow-capped terrain of the Alaskan coast: At top- a broad view stretching from Cape Thompson to Cape Seppings and Mulgrave Hills fills the width of the chart; lower are profile views of Cape Prince of Wales and Cape York; the Diomede Islands; and Cape Lisburne.
Key features include Kotzebue and Nome, Alaska, the Chuckchi Sea, Bering Sea, Diomede Islands, St. Lawrence Island, mouths of the Yukon River, Norton Bay, Cape Nome, and Cape Prince of Wales. Numerous soundings, navigation hazards, and aids to navigation are noted. Originally published from London in 1907, the chart underwent numerous updates and corrections over the following 70 years as noted in several locations on the chart.
The chart is based on the exploration of the Pacific Coast and Alaska led by Frederick William Beechy aboard the refitted survey ship "Blossom" which had recently been converted from an 24 gun sloop-of-war. During the course of their three-year voyage Beechy's orders were to explore the Bering Strait and to attempt to rendevous with Parry and Franklin aboard HMS Fury and Hecla, who were searching for a Northwest Passage from the East coast. Beechy is credited with the discovery of Port Clarence, one of the featured insets in this chart.
With inset detailed plans:
- "Plan of the Anchorage of Chamisso in Kotzebue Sound"
- "Plan of Port Clarence and Grantley Harbor"
- the cut between Port Clarence and Grantley Harbor.
Number 563. Title cartouche contains the oval logo of the British Hydrographic Office.
PUBLICATION DATE: 1977
GEOGRAPHIC AREA: United States
BODY OF WATER: Bering Strait
CONDITION: Very Good.
A fine dark copy. Excellent condition, on modern paper with no issues.
COLORING: None except some navigation lights in purple ink.
ENGRAVER:
SIZE: 25
" x
38 "
ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION: 65
PRICE: $175
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