Old coloured map of the British Isles by Willem Blaeu first published in 1631 in his “Atlas Appendix”. It is essentially reissue of the centre portion of Blaeu’s earlier map of the British Isles without the decorative borders that appeared on all four sides. The map shows Great Britain and Ireland, the coast of northwest France and an inset containing the Orkney Islands. In keeping with engravings issued by the house of Blaeu, the map is finely engraved and includes many decorative embellishments including several sailing ships, a sea monster and a compass rose. A description of the British Isles appears on the verso in Dutch. Other than repairs to top and bottom centrefold splits, the map is a finely coloured, strong dark impression on heavy stable paper in very good condition. 38.5 cm x 49.5 cm