FIRST STATE. An uncommon map of the British Isles published by the firm of Homann Heirs and the only state with this particular title cartouche. Johann Christoph Homann (1703-30) had died young and the business was continued as Homann Heirs by various parties. The title is here on the left side and bears the Hanovarian coat of arms. It includes an inset of the Orkney and Shetland islands upper right. A further title above is in English. Although dated 1729 in the title, it is believed the map was not published until 1745. This first state contains an elaborate title cartouche designed and engraved by Franz Michael Regenfuss (1712-80), author of a noted work on conchology. Private correspondence tells us that the original drawing for it is in the Preussischer Kulturbesitz in Berlin. For reasons unknown, the cartouche was altered for the remaining three recorded states. Shirley does not record this early state. Provenance: Gebr. Haas 2003; private English collection. Shirley (1988) Homann 5.1; Tooley’s Dictionary.