{"product_id":"polar-regions-antique-map-plate-2-c1750-1800","title":"Polar Regions — Antique Map, Plate 2 c.1750-1800","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePolar Regions — Antique Map, Plate 2 c.1750-1800\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn original copper-engraved map of the polar regions from the late 18th century, documenting European geographic understanding of the Arctic and Antarctic in the era just before the great 19th-century polar expeditions. Maps of this period typically show the Arctic coastlines then known (Greenland, Svalbard, the Russian and Siberian coasts) and Terra Australis Incognita — the speculative southern continent definitively ruled out only with Cook's Second Voyage (1772–1775).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAbout 18th-Century Polar Cartography\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 18th century marked a dramatic transition in polar geographic knowledge. At the beginning of the century, both polar regions remained largely mysterious: the Northwest Passage was believed to offer a navigable route from Europe to Asia, and a great southern continent (\u003cem\u003eTerra Australis Incognita\u003c\/em\u003e) was thought to balance the northern landmasses. By the end of the century, Cook's three voyages (1768–1779) had definitively disproved the southern continent; Vitus Bering's Russian expeditions (1725–1741) had mapped the North Pacific and established that Asia and North America were separated by sea; and William Bligh, George Vancouver, and other British navigators had begun the detailed charting of the northern Pacific coast. Maps from this transitional period capture the evolving state of knowledge — often with charming mixtures of accurate surveying and remaining speculation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy Collect Polar Maps\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePolar cartography is one of the most distinctive and visually appealing specialties in antique map collecting. The circular projections, the dramatic contrast between known coastlines and blank interiors, and the decorative cartouches with polar bears, Inuit figures, and whaling scenes make these maps instantly recognizable. For collectors of exploration history, scientific illustration, or scholarly decor, 18th-century polar maps occupy a unique position — they are beautiful decorative objects AND historically significant documents of the Enlightenment project to map the entire globe.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDisplay Ideas\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePolar maps pair beautifully with other exploration-themed pieces in studies, offices, libraries, and gentleman's rooms. The muted sepia and cream tones of typical 18th-century copper engravings complement both traditional leather-and-mahogany interiors and cleaner transitional spaces. Archival framing with UV-protective glass is recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePart of a set of 5:\u003c\/strong\u003e Available individually or as part of a matched Set of 5 Polar Maps — see our bundle listing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSheet approximately 14 × 20 inches (varies by plate)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrame:\u003c\/strong\u003e This piece ships \u003cstrong\u003eunframed\u003c\/strong\u003e — the sheet or plate only. We can recommend framers in your area or ship to your preferred framer. Professional framing with archival materials typically runs $150–$400 depending on size and finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eShipping Terms\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping costs vary by product, packaging requirements, destination, carrier, and insurance value.\u003c\/strong\u003e We do not use flat-rate shipping because antique prints, maps, paintings, and books each require different packing — some ship flat between archival boards, some ship rolled, some require custom-built crates with shock absorption, and framed pieces need extra protection for glass and corners.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow our shipping process works:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou place your order (shipping is calculated as $0 at checkout)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWe prepare a custom shipping quote for your destination — typically within 24 hours\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWe contact you to confirm carrier options (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL), insurance value, and delivery timeline\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnce you approve the shipping quote, we send a separate invoice for shipping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWe pack with archival-grade materials and insure at full value\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003cp\u003eQuestions on shipping before you buy? Contact us with your zip code (or international address) and we'll provide a quote before you commit to purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eImportant Buyer Notice\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese pieces are \u003cstrong\u003eantique originals\u003c\/strong\u003e, ranging from approximately 100 to over 400 years old. Each piece will show varying degrees of age-appropriate condition: paper toning, foxing, edge wear, fold marks, minor restoration, light staining, and other natural signs of age are common and expected for works of this period. Condition varies from piece to piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt is the buyer's responsibility to confirm that the piece is in the condition they require before purchase.\u003c\/strong\u003e We are always happy to answer any questions about the state of the work, provide additional photographs of specific areas, describe any flaws or repairs in detail, or arrange a video review before you buy. Please contact us at any time with questions — we believe an informed buyer is the best customer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll pieces are guaranteed \u003cstrong\u003eauthentic originals\u003c\/strong\u003e (not reproductions, facsimiles, or modern prints). We offer a full refund if authenticity is ever disputed by a qualified third party.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\/\",\"@type\":\"VisualArtwork\",\"name\":\"Polar Regions — Antique Map, Plate 2 c.1750-1800\",\"sku\":\"EC-POL-002\",\"productID\":\"EC-POL-002\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/eldrickco.com\/products\/polar-regions-antique-map-plate-2-c1750-1800\",\"dateCreated\":\"1750\",\"description\":\"Polar Regions — Antique Map, Plate 2 c.1750-1800. Original antique map from c.1750-1800. 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