Neueste General-Post und Strassen Karte der oesterreichische Monarchie

Splendid, separately issued folding map of the Austrian Empire showing post roads, main roads and the latest political borders.

This map was originally compiled by Maximilian de Traux and Franz Fried. The former was a career army officer, reaching the rank of Colonel in the Engineering Corps of the Austrian Army during the Napoleonic Wars and specialized in surveying and cartography. His main body of work relates of regional surveys of the Holy Roman and later the Austrian Empire; the latter was closely associated with the Viennese cartographic firm of Artaria. The first edition of this map was recorded in 1829,published in four sheets by Artaria; further editions are recorded in 1833 and 1836.

This example was issued in 1849 and has been substantially altered to its predecessor of 1836. The title has been developed to mention not only the post roads and major routes of the Empire but now adds mineral deposits and mines. Furthermore, there are mentions of the additions of armorial shields of the multiple regions situated on the lower right together with a finely engraved symbol of the double headed Austrian eagle with heraldic shields on the upper left.

A further alteration is the change in dedication to “Franz dem Ersten” or Franz Joseph I who was crowned Kaiser of Austria in 1848.

All editions of this map are rare. Original colour. [SWAS1577]