1850 Basset Chart of the Flags of Nations

Vexillological chromolithograph.

A vexillological chromolithographic delight, this is a rare separate issue c. 1862 flag chart. Flags are organized by region, with French flags at the top, followed by those of England and other European powers, which in turn are followed by African, Asian, and American flags. Among the more interesting flags are the Russian Postal Ensign, the white elephant flag of Siam (Thailand), the Cockerel flag of Pegu (Burma), and the Dragon flag of China. A large wind rose appears at top center.

The U.S. Flags

The flag of the United States is the 34-star flag, inaugurated with the admission of Kansas as a state, in 1861. By 1863, with West Virginia's admission, it was replaced by a 35-star flag. It also shows an uncommon flag with vertical strips and an eagle - this is probably the U.S. Customs Ensign.

Chromolithography

Chromolithography is a color lithographic technique developed in the mid-19th century. The process involved using multiple lithographic stones, one for each color, to yield a rich composite effect. Oftentimes, the process began with a black basecoat, on which subsequent colors were layered. Some chromolithographs used 30 or more separate lithographic stones to achieve the desired effect. Chromolithograph color can also be blended effectively for even more dramatic effects. The process became extremely popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when it emerged as the dominant method of color printing.

Publication History and Census

This chart was issued in 1862 by Maison Basset. It was engraved and lithographed by J. Kuppenheim Lithographie and Lithographie Boucher. While the chart is undated, we were able to date it based on the U.S. American Civil War flags depicted. This is the only known example.

Cartographer

André Basset (Bassett; fl. 1768 - 1784) was a well-known French publisher and engraver active on the Rue St. Jacques, Paris, during the 18th and 19th centuries. His office was located at the corner of Rue Saint Jacques and of Mathurins, à l'enseigne de Sainte Geneviève. The firm is closely aligned with the Chéreau family of printers and engravers, with whom they were connected with multiple, often incestuous, marriages and remarriages. Basset was best known for the production of low-cost optical views of European cities and events. However, the firm also produced games, maps, and other prints. The firm was taken over by Paul-André Bassett (1759 - 1829) in 1784. Paul-André Bassett himself retired in 1819, but the business continued under various family members until 1865.   Further Details...

Condition

Very good. Repaired partial centerfold split.