[AUSTRALIA-SA] St.Vincent and Spencer Gulf Surveyed by Commr. Hutchison, R.N. and Staff Commr. F.Howard, R.N., 1863-73.

Early issue of this very large three sheet hydrographic chart of South Australia with an overall size of approximately 2,500mm x 700mm. The chart was first issued on 18th August 1874 and with only minor corrections to IV.1877. The chart extends from Port Augusta in the north (attached flap) to the waters south of Kangaroo Island and from Port Lincoln in the west to Adelaide in the east. A rare survivor.

Note this is not the smaller single sheet chart measuring 1030mmx700mm and numbered 2389 but a two sheet chart with each sheet numbered; 2389A & 2389B and double in size.

With ink stamps on the two large sheets of the well known Newcastle Nautical Stationers and Chart  sellers, ‘R.C. Knaggs & Co‘.

The regular updating of Hydrographic charts by the Hydrographic Office was to ensure that Commanders of ships, pilots and other mariners were able to have the most to date information available to safely navigate foreign waters and ports as new information of changes to sea depths, sand bars, wrecks or other any other pertinent nautical information that could hinder passage became available. As updated charts were offered for sale, the earlier outdated charts in the hands of mariners, pilots, ships owners and sailors were invariably discarded, subsequently making all British Admiralty issued hydrographic charts of the period rare.