There are numerous factors which affect the value of antique maps – all those you might suspect and many you might not. Like most antiques, antique map prices are usually governed by factors of rarity, condition, desirability, and aesthetics. The best maps have high rankings in all of these areas, however, it is not uncommon for one factor to dominate all others.
For example, take these two equally fine maps: an 1849 Mitchell’s Map of Texas is not particularly more rare than an 1849 Mitchell’s map of Switzerland, however, the first may sell for as much as 1000 USD while the second will rarely sell for more than 150 USD. This happens because maps of Texas are highly desirable and have a large collector base while maps of Switzerland, particularly American maps, are difficult to sell. Conversely, that same 1000 USD map of Texas may be rendered all but worthless by a hugely disfiguring dampstain and unprofessional backing on wood or cardboard.
Other factors unique to antique maps can also hugely affect value. Maps that fall into this category include maps that depict special regions of the world at important, brief or transitional moments. Two excellent examples are maps that depict Australia as New Holland and maps that depict Texas as an independent republic (c. 1863 to 1845). Cartographic errors are also factors that can increase the value of an antique map. Some of these include the depiction of California as an Island (c. 1600 to 1720), the indication of a huge lake in the Carolinas, the Mountains of the Moon in Africa, assumed Northwest Passages, and the presence of certain mythical geographical features such as Aurora Island (near the Falklands) or El Dorado in the Amazon.
How the map was printed and presented also factors heavily in value. Generally speaking there are three was to present flat maps: atlas maps, folding maps pocket or case maps, and wall maps.
- Atlas maps are the most common and are generally speaking the least valuable. Most atlas maps are in very good condition due to the fact that they have been bound between protective covers for most of the lives. However, there are several problems common to atlas maps. Most were issued with a centerfold and this commonly exhibits wear, damage, and discoloration. Atlas maps, especially those at the beginning and ends of the atlas, also frequently suffer from soiling, creasing due to improper folding and earmarking, and water stains due to storage in damp unfavorable conditions.
- Folding maps include maps that were folded into books, case maps, and pocket maps. Maps that were folded into histories, travel guides, and specialty books are the most common type of folding map. These are often reissues of atlas maps that have been printed on thinner paper or slightly modified to deliver the book’s message. Pocket or Case maps are independently issued maps and are, in most cases, far more valuable than atlas maps or standard folding maps. These maps are usually folded into cases for easy transport. They are often printed on very thin paper were sometimes split into sections and mounted on linen for easy folding and unfolding. Though often in rough condition due to the rigors of their use and the stresses of being folding for hundreds of years, these maps are frequently much larger and more valuable than their atlas counterparts.
- Wall maps are enormous maps usually produced for presentation or classroom settings. Most are stored rolled on large wooden dowels. A good wall map can fetch a very high price but is often very difficult to sell as its size alone makes it a specialty item. Also, because of the production techniques and storage problems common to wall maps, they often suffer severe damage and almost always require professional restoration prior to being placed on the market. Good restoration can add quite a bit to the total value of an antique wall map.
In addition to the factors above, map connoisseurs are fortunate to have access to roughly thirty years of auction history and dealer catalogs through various subscription based services. Many dealers, such as ourselves, also provide a range of fee based appraisal services.
Tags: antique map appraisal, antique map value, apraisal, map value, rare map appraisal, rare map value
I have a 1948 map of “The Grand Trunk Canadian National Railway System” that is approx. 4 feet square and canvasses the entire continental U.S. and Canada. My question is: Are mid-20th century maps valuable? From what I can ascertain, the value of old maps drops off sharply around the 20th century mark. Would a proffesional appraisal be worth my while?
Billy,
Thank you for your message, you are our first real comment! As for your question, while your map may have value to railroad collectors or special interest groups, as an antique map it has little or no value. Older maps of the Grand Trunk Railway, from the 1880s shortly after the railroad was built do have some value, but even then they are not significant pieces. I would advise holding your map as it may acquire value in the future. Do not pay for a professional evaluation, I would feel guilty taking your money.
Thank you. I appreciate your valuable insight.
I HAVE A BRASS WALL WORLD MAP 1628 SHOWS DRAKE,MAGELLANUS,OLIVERUS VOONAERNOORT,THOMAS CAVENDIFH, IT SHOWS THIER TRAVELS AND COURSES THEY TOOK AND WHERE LANDED, CALIFORNIA IS AN ISLAND
CAROLINIAS ARE AS A LAKE. FRAMED IN THE ORIGINAL WOOD FRAME. PLEASE INFORM ME IF AN APPRAISAL WOULD BE WORTHY.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
Brenda,
This is one of the most common maps people write to me about – often thinking they have found something wonderful. These were made in the mid to late 20th century are are nothing more the kitsch reproductions of older maps. Seventeenth century cartographers did not print maps on brass. As a antique map, it has no value and it would not be in your best interests to pay an appraisal fee.
Kevin
I have an old wall mount, retractable school map case filled with maps dating from 1904 – 1909. 7 of the maps are from the McConnell School Supply Co in Philadelphia. Probably not worth much I’m sure. But, there are 3 other maps from a company in Kansas City, MO – Jos. F. Dreisbach & Co that are very interesting.
The first one is a 2 county (what appears to be) a plot map of Shelby and Monroe Counties in Missouri. The map is dated 1909
The 2nd map is of Missouri and is titled:
MISSOUIRI
Showing Post offices
with the intermediates distances on Mail routes
1909
The last one is the most interesting. It is not a map, but a “pictorial” chart that is titled:
“Effect of Alcoholic Drinks and Narcotics on the Human system”
It has pictures showing a “healthy” person to “The moderate drinker” to “The Cronic Drunkard” to “Delirium”!
It goes on to show healthy and diseased brains, stomachs, lungs, liver, arteries, intestines, etc.
The colors are vibrant!
At the bottom it gives facts and figures on annual consumptions and so forth.
One final note is the paragraph on the lower right corner. The language used then is interesting:
“Half the idiots of the world are children of drunkards. More than half the insanity is due to alcohol, while it produces four out of every five of our paupers….”
It’s a fantastic piece!
I’ve been surfing the web, trying to find something on Dreisbach mapping co or something similar to this, but I have had no luck at all. I’m curious to the value and am searching for an insurance value.
Can you give me advice on what I might have or do next?
Thanks.
Dale
Dale,
I can’t do an appraisal on these items for you as it is part of our fee based services. However, most 20th century maps are of little interest. Your Alcoholism chart, on the other hand, sounds hilarious and may have some value.
Best,
Kevin
I have a map that say from an original of moses pitt 1681 i dont know anything or what the value would be
Yes, this is what appraisers are for. It is a service that we and many other dealers offer.
sir i am trying to find some infomation on a pocket map,my grandfather left to me.it is a new sectional map of arkansas, published by e.h.ross, st. louis.inside the cover it has .e.h.ross. western map emporium. it says its 30″x40″ in pencil very lightly 1871-73. i would like to know if this map worth having an apprazial done on ? it appears to be all original,cover and map,and in fair to good condition.i just dont want to waste time or money if it is not valuable.thanks fred
It is not an exceptionally valuable map, but is it worth an appraisal, that’s up to you. Do you want to sell it, or just know what it is worth for insurance purposes? It is not so valuable that it needs special insurance. If you want to sell it, an appraisal will help you get a sense of its true worth.
Kevin
I am wondering if my map should be restored or not…it is in very poor condition. It is a 24″ x 30″map of the Province of NJ, divided into East and West, commonly called the Jerseys with a cartouche of Wm Faden Charing Cross 1777. At the bottom it says Fac-simile of Map now in possession of Chas. D Deschler, M-or? of NJ, Photolith by J Bien NY.. On the lower right, about 8″ from the bottom, is is signed in ink by H? Woodward? Woodbury? It is backed onto canvas and badly water stained and discolored. with disintegrating edges. It came from a sea captain’s house in Maine.
Thanks for your suggestions,
Wendy
Wendy,
If you can send photos of the map to me at info@geographicus.com, I can give you a better opinion on it. What you have is a late 19th century reproduction of a very important map of New Jersey. While the original is a 35,000 USD treasure, your repro is unlikely to be worth more than a couple of hundred dollars. Nonetheless, the map has decorative value and you may fine restoration to be a good investment.