The 1754 Scull and Heap plan of Philadelphia - where the story of the American Revolution begins

At some point it might be worthwhile to discuss the restoration of your 1754 Scull and Heap Plan of Philadelphia. Maybe you would consider a "compare and contrast" with APS's and the one you saw in my home which is the finest example known to me - all four sheets as issued in perfect, unrestored condition with outstanding paper patina. Your example has long disappointed me because of its condition. These four engravings as a corpus comprise the largest, finest view of any American City published during the Age of Enlightenment. But why was it published at such a towering expense 11 years after APS was founded????????????????? Knowing the Penns, my guess is that the prospect of the French driving the English into the Atlantic Ocean starting in 1753 may have had a lot to do with it. They wanted some land sales before that happened. They published this grand icon of the most important city in North America, certainly to draw interest as well as show their fellow English aristocracy their wealth. You may feel that some restoration is worth considering after you see my example. The difference in quality is considerable. And of course the English were NOT driven into the Atlantic because William Pitt bankrupted England to beat the French and drive them out of North America at the Treaty of Paris in 1763. When asked to pay for this victory, Americans wrongly went to war to avoid the taxes that were justly due. George III, the English Parliament and the English people were enraged that William Pitt the Elder bankrupted their nation to beat the French. Our excuses for Indepence are flaccid to me. This view is the opening key to the 30 year story. But your example's condition is poor. I would like to make some suggestions someday if you are interested.