^Lot 547 British map of the Manila Galleon passage by George Anson entitled "A Chart of the Channel in the Ph

British map of the Manila Galleon passage by George Anson entitled "A Chart of the Channel in the Philippine Islands through which the Manila Galeon passes with a Map of Manila Island," engraved by Richard William Seale, 1763, hand colored and matted. Outside mat 16½" x 14½", image 10¼" x 8½". This 1763 chart of the Philippines, based on George Anson’s voyage around the world, maps the Manila-Acapulco galleon route from the Mole of Cavite through the islands of Luzon, Mindoro, Marinduque, Burias, Tiaco, Capul, and San Bernardino, to the open waters north of Samar, identified here as “Samal.” Originally hand colored, the chart illustrates British knowledge of the Spanish-controlled archipelago and, more importantly, their naval routes. The marked track culminates near Samar, where Anson captured the Nuestra Señora de Covadonga in 1743, laden with silver. The stylized, blocky coastlines also reveal the limitations of contemporary European geographic knowledge of the Philippines. First published as one of three charts accompanying Anson’s highly successful 1748 Voyage round the World, the map became an important visual record of the Manila galleon trade and British naval activity in the region. Nice condition with bold ink colors, two small internal tears at center, tear and tape repair on bottom right corner.