Frequently Asked Questions about Antique Maps

An antique map is a map that was made more than 100 years ago, often depicting geographical understanding and aesthetics of its time. But just like now when we have an interest in earlier periods of history there are maps depicting countries in the times such as the Saxons and the Roman Empire.

Authenticity can be determined by examining the paper, printing technique, and any historical records associated with the map. After you have handled a number of antique maps your ability and confindence will greatly improve. Do not be afraid to ask a specialist dealer in antique maps for guidance. Do not be fooled by reproduction maps printed on paper that looks like parchment. I discuss this series of maps on my John Speed pageJohn Speed page

Yes, antique maps can be a valuable resource for educational purposes, offering insights into historical geography, cartography, and the history of exploration.

Focus on the map’s condition, rarity, historical significance, and any unique features. Small marginal repairs are acceptable. The centre fold is also an area of the map that can have repairs. Be critical of modern hand colouring. It should have been carefully executed with toneful colours. Unfortunately there are maps that have in my opinion have been ruined by poor amateurish hand colouring

Antique maps should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use archival-quality materials for framing and storing to prevent deterioration. When putting a framed map on a wall choose the the wall that gets little or no sunlight passing across it. For a large collection of unframed map a plan chest is the ideal piece of furniture. You will find ones of a modern design as well as original Victorian examples.

While reproductions can be aesthetically pleasing, they typically hold less monetary value than original antique maps. Faced between the choice of a reproduction map and perhaps a less decorative original antique map I would choose to go with the antique map. It is going to give you more lasting pleasure of ownership and should retain its value.

Early cartographers often relied on explorers' accounts and limited technology, leading to inaccuracies which were often believed accepted and copied fby other cartographers. This just adds to their interest to the collector. Over time, maps became more accurate with advancements in surveying and mapping techniques which somehow removes the mystique of early cartography.

The short answer is yes. Many maps have been taken from atlases and have a centre fold. A guard was pasted onto the fold and this enabled the map to be bound into a volume without damaging the map. Many people coming to antique maps for the first time are surprised at how good the condition of a map can be taking into account its age. This is because the map has been held in the atlas away from light and perhaps rarely looked at. You may find two specimens of the same map, one with the centre fold and the other with a guard plus other folding creases. Blome's Britannia is a good example if this where I have seen the two ways of binding used.

The margins, that is the blank area of paper surrounding the map are important. The 17th century Dutch publishers such as Blaeu and Jansson provided large generous margins to their maps. There are, however, many antique maps with less generous maps. Wide margins are good for protecting the map as paper is of course vulnerable to nicks and tears. A split at the top or bottom of the centre fold is common. Margins can decrease in size over the years if the map has been framed, unframed and then framed again.

Paper is prone to changing colour over the years caused by various factors. Look out for brown spots appearing. This is called foxing. 19th century paper can be more prone to foxing. Damp and water staining is also something else you will come across.