[Danckerts, Justus.

Folio (508 x 324mm.), 66 engraved maps (including 6 additional maps inserted at the end), contemporary hand-colour, brown calf gilt by James Brockman, without title or index, several maps repaired or torn at folds, the first 2 maps (world and Americas) laid down, continent maps stained at lower corners, map of Asia with inkblot, some soiling, index tag removed from almost every map, a few maps shaved

Lord Wardington, sale in these rooms, 18 October 2005, lot 124, bookplate

cf. Koeman II, Dan 1-3; NMM pp.71-72; cf. Shirley, British Library T.DAN-1a

The condition of this item is as described in the catalogue description
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Wardington copy; a rare early issue. The Danckerts family were prominent print and map sellers active in Amsterdam for nearly a century. Between the years 1680 and 1700 a number of atlases were produced with maps bearing the names Justus or Theodorus Danckerts. These are now very rare and, as the title pages and maps are undated or not present (as here), it is difficult, if not impossible, to place any map against any particular edition. Their stock of plates was acquired by R. and J. Ottens who used them for re-issues, having replaced the Danckerts names with their own. This is an early issue with all the maps issued before 1690.

All Danckerts atlases are rare: "in this copy there are sixty maps which include all the early issues, plus six additional maps which I have had bound at the end. Inserted by me is the early map of the Danube by Cornelis Danckerts the elder dated 1647, the founder of the firm. This has been removed from the Janssonius Atlantes maiores appendix to which it didn't belong any more than it does here, but here it makes more sense" (Wardington Catalogue).