Small folio (11 5/8 x 8 in.; 295 x 203mm). Letterpress title with large wood-cut vignette of the Spanish Royal arms, text in Spanish, signed at the end with the paraph of Antonio Valdés, minister of the Spanish Navy, 1 small format (5 1/2 x 7 1/4 in.; 140 x 184mm) hand-colored engraving of the Real Compañia Maritima flag; chip to title-page at lower spine-edge corner, small stain to K1. Bound to style in full vellum, manuscript lettering to spine; some foxing and yellowing to vellum.

Small folio (11 5/8 x 8 in.; 295 x 203mm). Letterpress title with large wood-cut vignette of the Spanish Royal arms, text in Spanish, signed at the end with the paraph of Antonio Valdés, minister of the Spanish Navy, 1 small format (5 1/2 x 7 1/4 in.; 140 x 184mm) hand-colored engraving of the Real Compañia Maritima flag; chip to title-page at lower spine-edge corner, small stain to K1. Bound to style in full vellum, manuscript lettering to spine; some foxing and yellowing to vellum.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

The printed version of the Spanish Royal decree establishing the Real Compañía Marítima (Royal Maritime Company)This fascinating work is beautifully printed, and includes a carefully engraved and colored image of the flag that was granted to the Real Compañía Maritima. The text includes detailed instructions for what proved to be a short-lived venture. The intention was that the Compañía Maritima should spear-head a revival of the Spanish fishing and whaling industries, which had foundered by the late 18th century. The Compañía Marítima was initially well-funded with its financial backers including the Spanish King himself, but was not a success and was dissolved early in the nineteenth century.