Old Port of Longo Sardo, Sardinia Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Tower, Rocky Point, Soundings

The Port of Longo Sardo in Sardinia: A Rare Nautical Chart by William Heather

Introduction to the Map and Its Significance

The Port of Longo Sardo in Sardinia, meticulously charted by the esteemed British hydrographer William Heather in 1802, stands as a remarkable artifact of maritime history. This chart, part of Heather's acclaimed New Mediterranean Pilot, captures the intricate details of the northeastern coastline of Sardinia, focusing particularly on the strategic port of Longo Sardo. The map is not merely a navigational aid but a historical document that offers a window into the maritime practices and regional geography of the early 19th century. Its rarity and precision make it a prized possession for collectors and historians alike.

Detailed Representation and Style

Crafted in a traditional nautical style, the chart is oriented with west at the top, a convention that may seem unusual but was often used in specific maritime contexts to better serve navigational needs. It features a detailed depiction of soundings in fathoms, crucial for mariners to understand the depth of the waters, which varies significantly around the port and its approaches. The inclusion of a compass rose and a scale bar further enhances its utility and authenticity, allowing for precise navigation and measurement.

Topographical and Nautical Features

Beyond its navigational utility, the chart is a rich tapestry of the area’s topography and nautical specifics. It marks significant maritime and land features such as Rocky Point, Mud and Weeds, and The Fornigues. Notably, it also details the Village of Longo Sardo in ruins, providing a historical context to the region's past settlements. The Tower of Longo Sardo, another prominent feature, is likely a reference to a coastal watchtower, hinting at the region's historical defensive strategies against invaders or pirates.

Historical and Cultural Value

This chart is not only a tool for navigation but also a cultural artifact, reflecting the skills and methods of early 19th-century mapmaking. William Heather, renowned for his contributions to hydrography, has imbued this chart with a level of detail and accuracy that speaks volumes about the era’s cartographic standards and the strategic importance of Sardinia in the Mediterranean maritime routes. The map thus serves as a testament to the island’s rich maritime history and its role in Mediterranean trade and defense.

Conclusion: Rarity and Collectibility

The rarity of this chart amplifies its value, marked as the first example seen on the market from Heather's New Mediterranean Pilot. For collectors, owning this chart is akin to preserving a piece of nautical history, rare and rich with the legacy of Mediterranean navigation. Its detailed portrayal of Longo Sardo’s port, combined with its historical significance and the craftsmanship of William Heather, makes it an exceptional addition to any collection, offering both aesthetic pleasure and historical insight.

Notable Places on This Map

• The Port of Longo Sardo
• The Tower
• Rocky Point
• Mud and Weeds
• The Fornigues
• Village of Longo Sardo in Ruins
• Eastern Point
• Mag
• True
• Scale bar

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Detailed coastline of Sardinia, focusing on the northeastern coast
• Location of the village of Longo Sardo and the Tower of Longo Sardo
• Soundings in fathoms
• Compass rose

Historical and Design Context

• Map Title: The Port of Longo Sardo in Sardinia
• Mapmaker/Publisher: William Heather, a British hydrographer known for his detailed charts and contributions to navigation
• Date of Creation: 1802
• Design and Style: Traditional nautical chart style with detailed soundings, topographical features, and navigational aids
• Historical Significance: Provides insight into the maritime history of Sardinia and showcases the mapmaking craftsmanship of the early 19th century
• Rarity: Charts from Heather's New Mediterranean Pilot are extremely rare, making this a unique collector's item

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

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This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

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My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

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