The De Fer Family (c. 1646-1760) Nicholas de Fer (1646 - 1720) was the son of cartographer Antoine de Fer. Nicholas was established as an engraver, cartographer, and map publisher in Paris. De Fer was a prolific cartographer with over 600 maps and atlases to his credit. De Fer's work, though replete with geographical errors, earned a large following because of its considerable decorative appeal. In the late 17th century, de Fer's fame culminated in his appointment as Geographer ro the King of France. Upon his death in 1720, Nicolas was succeeded by two of his sons-in-law, Guillaume Danet and Jacques-François Danet and their heirs, who continued the de Fer publishing firm until c. 1760. Click here for a list of rare maps from Nicholas de Fer. Rare maps by The De Fer Family currently for sale. Rare maps by The De Fer Family in the Geographicus Antique Map Archive.