1874 Ptolemy, Alphons, and Arzachael Lunar Craters Print

Our reproduction print of Ptolemy, Alphons, and Arzachael Craters was originally published in the 1874 book, The Moon: Considered As A Planet, A World, A Satellite, authored by James Nasmyth C.E. and James Carpenter F.R.A.S.

The photos in the book were not actually of the moon because photography was not yet advanced enough to capture lunar details. Instead, Nasmyth photographed detailed plaster models he built of the moon based on his visual observations from the 20" reflector he also built. "For this book, the photographs were then printed by the arduous Woodburytype process, perhaps the most faithful method ever devised for the reproduction of photographs. The Woodburytype has no grain whatsoever, because it does not use cracks or dots to reproduce tone. Instead, a relief mold is made of the image in lead, so that the areas of dark tone are deep and light tone shallow. Ink suspended in gelatin is cast in the mold, and the resulting print produces contrast by the thickness or thinness of the ink." (Linda Hall Library, Face of the Moon)

FREE SHIPPING on domestic orders over $49 with UPS ground or USPS to PO Boxes.

Due to the busy holiday season, please allow the following shipping times:
Unframed prints - 1-2 weeks
Framed prints - 4 weeks

Full refund on returns within 30 days of purchase on unframed paper prints. We do NOT ACCEPT returns or exchanges on framed prints or canvas wraps because they are made to order.

Click HERE for more information on shipping and returns

See below for our cutoff dates with delivery by Christmas
*We do not take responsibility for unforeseen carrier delays.

Made in the USA

We consider our maps to be works of art, so we print and frame them accordingly.

Using award-winning printers with gallery quality fine art paper and inks, our maps will exceed expectations and last a lifetime.

• Archival Paper and Inks
• 100% Cotton, OBA-Free, and Acid-Free
• Heavyweight 21.5 mil
• Certified to last 100 years

Read customer reviews HERE attesting to the quality of our prints.

We use real Walnut for our frames, unlike the lesser quality veneer you will typically find elsewhere. With beautiful hardwood grain, each is handmade to order at a professional frame shop.

• 7/8 inch face and 1 1/2 inch depth
• Acrylite glazing (more clear than glass)
• Acid-free backing paper
• Hanging wire installed