Map Collecting

Things You need to know

Map Collecting is one of those hobbies that attract people who love history and geography. Map collecting starts at different ages and with different budgets. This article will discuss how to start your map collecting and what you need to do in order to make sure that you build a good collection of maps. Starting your own Map Collection is not that easy, especially if you are starting out on your own. Beginners usually have problems in locating good maps to purchase and the prices entailed to each one. He or she may also have a problem when judging the condition of the maps he or she is trying to purchase, so the best thing to do when you’re starting out is to research and see as many maps as possible. Go to art exhibits or museums that display maps and you can gain a lot of information. Some Places like the U.S. library of congress has 4 ½ Millions of maps to see! You can easily go and visit this place and learn about maps and see all the maps you want. You can also go to different exhibits and shows Larger antique shows often have a map dealer who is glad to show you maps and discuss prices. Antiquarian book and print sellers often keep a small stock of maps and are good sources of information. Walk into some local antique shops and you may sometimes spot a dusty, old map hidden from plain sight. A number of excellent illustrated books about maps and mapmakers are also available. Books by Tooley and Schwartz listed in the bibliography are especially useful.

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Before Buying When considering a map purchase, remember that a reputable dealer is the best insurance against unwise purchases. He should permit you to return a map within a week without question. Prices depend upon a number of expected variables that include: relative rarity, area of interest, decorative appearance, condition, date issued, availability, size, historical significance and color. Once obtained, some maps may require cleaning and repair. This can be learned in time, but it is often best to leave it to the archival experts. It is better to buy a map in excellent condition than buying a map that needs a lot of work to be done and can have a problem if not restored or cleaned properly. These are the basics you need to know about mapcollecting, just remember to research and see a lot of maps before deciding to buy something to avoid any problems. Most collectors have their maps mounted between non-acidic boards and framed to hang on the wall. Be sure to keep maps away from the damaging effects of direct sunlight. It should be appreciated that old maps were individual impressions from carved wood blocks (until 1550) or from incised copper plate (until 1850). These limited editions were printed on paper made from rags.Old paper is quite stable although it may brown or become spattered with fungus (foxing). More recent maps (after 1850) were mass-produced by lithographic processes on wood pulp paper that soon becomes brittle or cracked. Designs on maps reflect the times. Sea monsters and large lettering were common on the 16th century maps. Exploring or battling ships adorned 17th century sea maps. Famous cartographers made many old maps. As you learn more about maps, you can readily recognize maps by Munster, Ortelius, Leau, Speed, DeLisle, and Moll to name just a few. American mapmakers also enjoy fame, especially Lucas, Carey, Tanner, Mitchell, Colton, Johnson and certainly others. Early maps were often colored. Finer maps were beautifully colored by artisans or given to ladies of the court to try their hand at coloring. Some dealers today employ modern colorists to beautify old maps. Both freshly colored and contemporary colored maps are very collectible. Uncolored maps are also valuable and have their advocates. Let's now hope that you're ready to start your collection. A little knowledge, good luck and a sharp eye all will help. Good map hunting!

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