Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if you want to pick up your map in person, please select 'Do Not Ship' in the checkout process. Geographicus Rare Antique Maps does not operate a brink-and-mortar storefront, but we do welcome clients for in-person visits. To give us time to prepare your order, we kindly ask that you schedule an appointment in advance.

We accept appointments Monday through Friday, from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Weekend or after-hours visits may be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.

To book an appointment, please call our customer service number or submit a request through our contact form. We look forward to assisting you!

Geographicus Rare Antique Maps utilizes zoom technology to provide high-resolution, interactive images for detailed examination. This feature allows for smooth deep-zooming, enabling you to read text, inspect intricate details, and in some cases, even see the paper fibers of the map. To use this function, simply click on the image repeatedly to zoom in further.

If you require additional images to assist with your decision, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our contact form - we’re happy to help!

Our online inventory is always up to date. If an item is listed with a price, it is generally available for purchase. However, some visitors arriving via Google search may land on product pages for previously sold items. If no price is displayed, the item is no longer available. In some cases, we may have a comparable map or another example in stock, and if so, a suggested link will appear.

Why Do Maps Sometimes 'Go Out of Stock'?

If you're viewing a map and suddenly see it marked as out of stock, it has likely been added to someone's shopping cart. In 90% of cases, this is your own cart, so check there first! Since each of our items is one of a kind, adding it to a cart temporarily reserves it for about 30 minutes. If the purchase is not completed, the item will return to stock.

At other times, an item may go out of stock because it has been purchased or placed on hold by another client. If this happens and you're still interested, please contact us via phone or email, and we can confirm availability or hold it for you if the prior hold is released.

Digital Images

For those interested in digital images, these are generally available for purchase regardless of the stock status of the source item. If a digital image is not offered, it means either:

• We do not have a high-resolution version of the item, or
• The image is under copyright.

If you have any questions about availability, holds, or digital images, feel free to reach out to us!

Yes, while Geographicus Rare Antique Maps does not operate a brink-and-mortar storefront, we do store our maps and prints locally and welcome clients for in-person visits. To ensure the rare maps you’re interested in are ready for you on arrival, we kindly ask that you schedule an appointment in advance.

We generally accept appointments Monday through Friday, from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Weekend or after-hours visits may be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.

To book an appointment, please call our customer service number or submit a request through our contact form. We look forward to assisting you!

Yes, your personal data is secure. Geographicus does not store or retain credit card information and has no direct access to your payment details. All transactions are securely processed through our trusted merchant processor, ensuring that your card information is used solely for purchase processing or refunds.

For details on how we handle other personal data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Most credit card declines are triggered by fraud protection measures imposed by the card’s issuing bank. This is especially common with Geographicus Rare Antique Maps purchases, as they often involve high-value, long-distance, and one-time transactions. If you plan to purchase an item valued over $1,000 USD, we recommend contacting your bank in advance to pre-authorize the transaction. American Express generally has higher approval rates on the first attempt.

Common Reasons for Declines

1. Fraud Protection – Your bank may flag the transaction as unusual. Pre-authorization can help prevent this.
2. Data Entry Errors – Ensure that all card details, including billing zip code, CVV, and cardholder name, are entered correctly.
3. Multiple Failed Attempts – If you attempt to process the same card multiple times in quick succession, you may see an error such as “Declined by Fraud Services.” If this occurs, wait 5–10 minutes before trying again or contact us for alternative payment options.
4. International Transactions – Customers, particularly in continental Europe, may experience difficulties due to strict foreign transaction policies imposed by their banks. If your card is declined, we recommend calling your bank while attempting the transaction to ensure approval. If the issue persists, please reach out to us for an alternative payment method.

If you continue to experience payment issues, feel free to contact us for assistance. We’re happy to help you complete your purchase smoothly.

Government-Issued and Institutional Credit Cards - We have observed recurring issues with institutional and government-issued credit cards being declined. These cards often have strict spending limits, enhanced fraud protection, and may be restricted to specific purchase categories (such as office supplies or travel). If you encounter a problem using one of these cards, we recommend contacting your institution’s financial administrator for assistance.

Geographicus Rare Antique Maps accepts

• Major credit cards.
• PayPal (www.paypal.com)
• Zelle.
• Cash.
• Wire transfers in USD or EURO.
• Checks (established clients and institutions)
• Purchase Orders (institutions only)

Geographicus occasionally appraises large or important collections for tax, insurance, or inheritance purposes. Appraisals are subject to our hourly rates, may involve travel and research expenses, and must meet our minimum hours quota.

Geographicus DOES NOT offer off-the-cuff valuation or historical pricing data over the phone or by email. Most people who contact us asking what a map sold for or how much a map is worth are interested in knowing if they can turn their own maps into money, and if so, how fast and how much. At our discretion, we may provide such information free of charge, as it is part of the offer process, but only if we are interested in pursuing a purchase. For this, your best option is to fill out our PRE-ACQUISITION FORM

For more about APPRAISALS and FAIR MARKET VALUE, navigate to our APPRAISAL PAGE.

Maybe. Geographicus buys new maps, charts, books, and prints daily, but we do not buy every map offered. Please consult our ACQUISITION POLICY for details and procedures.

The concept of provenance is traditionally associated with one-of-a-kind fine art, such as sculptures and paintings, where tracing ownership history is essential to verifying authenticity and value. However, most maps are printed objects, much like books, often produced in multiple near-identical copies during their original print runs. As a result, tracing the exact ownership history of a specific map over time is usually impractical and largely irrelevant to its value.

In the world of maps and prints, provenance is generally only relevant for exceptionally rare or unique pieces, such as manuscript (hand-drawn) maps, portolan charts, or other items more akin to fine art. These works, due to their singular nature, can have well-documented histories that contribute to their significance.

There are rare cases where a printed map or print can be linked to a famous or historically significant person. However, such connections only substantially impact value when accompanied by additional evidence, such as:

• An owner's signature with inherent collectible value
• Manuscript annotations or markings of historical significance (e.g., a battle plan owned and marked up by a renowned general)
• Other modifications directly tied to the significant individual or historical events

In most instances, historical associations are undocumented and anecdotal. The movement of maps and books between owners was rarely recorded, making any claimed provenance difficult to verify. As a result, such associations, while intriguing, are often considered novelty rather than true provenance in the strictest sense.

Geographicus Rare Antique Maps offers a full guarantee of authenticity on every map we sell. We do not trade in modern reproductions or contemporary copies. A signed Certificate of Authenticity will accompany every map we sell. Any map legitimately found to be a fake or reproduction may be returned to Geographicus at any time for a full refund. Returns based on claims of inauthenticity must be accompanied by no less than two letters from industry professionals (other ABAA/ILAB dealers, map librarians, map curators, certified appraisers, auctions house specialists, etc.) attesting that the map or book in question is a contemporary forgery or reproduction and explaining their reasoning.

This is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive, and the answer depends on several factors, including the specific item, your graphic editing capabilities/software, and your intended use.

At 300-600 DPI, a scanned image is typically large enough to be enlarged to double or even triple its original size while maintaining quality. However, if you intend to scale an image significantly - such as enlarging it to wall size - the results will depend on the size of the original map. For instance, if a 10x10 inch map is expanded to 10x10 feet, it will likely appear pixelated or distorted, regardless of the scan’s resolution.

That said, a skilled graphic designer may be able to enhance the image and improve its appearance using advanced digital tools. If you have specific enlargement needs, we recommend consulting with a graphics expert to determine the best approach.

Any way you want! Our digital images are generally out of copyright, so there are no restrictions on use or attribution requirements. However, if you want to credit us, please use:

Geographicus Rare Antique Maps (www.geographicus.com)

Files are delivered as compressed TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) files. TIFF is a raster image file developed to store and share high-quality images.

If you have not yet downloaded the image, you are eligible for a refund. Additionally, if the image file is corrupted, you may request a refund. However, we thoroughly test all images before sending them, so this is highly unlikely. If you encounter issues with downloading, we recommend attempting the download again before requesting a refund.

Please note that most of our images are scanned at 600 DPI, resulting in large file sizes. You will need access to appropriate systems and software capable of downloading and viewing high-resolution images. Mobile devices may not support these large files. If you are unable to access the image due to limitations on your system or other technical issues, this does not qualify your order for a refund.

Once an image has been successfully downloaded, it cannot be returned or refunded.

Images are typically delivered in high-resolution TIFF format (300-600 DPI). In some cases, you may receive a JPEG, and for larger files, a compressed format such as ZIP may be used.

Due to the high resolution of our scans, image files can be quite large. To ensure smooth access and viewing, we recommend the following:

1. Ensure the file has fully downloaded before attempting to open it.
2. If the file is zipped, confirm it has been fully uncompressed.
3. Verify that your computer is capable of displaying large-format TIFF files.
4. Make sure your software supports TIFF images.

If you’ve confirmed all of the above and the image still doesn’t open correctly, please try re-downloading the file.

All of our images are tested on a range of systems, and in most cases, standard image viewers on both Windows and macOS are sufficient, though they may not display the images at full resolution However, for the best performance - especially when working with our largest images - we recommend using professional-grade software such as Adobe Photoshop or an equivalent application.

Please Note

Some users experience difficulty downloading or opening large image files on smartphones or tablets. While certain mobile devices may handle these files, we strongly recommend using a desktop or laptop computer.

In rare instances, clients have reported issues even after following the above steps. If you encounter ongoing problems, please don’t hesitate to contact us for further assistance.

Digital image orders are typically processed within 1 business day, Monday - Friday. These orders are processed manually, as we do not have an automated system. You will receive the image download link via a separate email from one of our staff. You may receive a shipping confirmation - a legacy of a system designed for physical purchases - no physical shipment will occur.

All taxes, duties, customs fees, and VAT are the sole responsibility of the buyer.

Domestic (U.S.) Shipments

Geographicus Rare Antique Maps is based in New York, United States. Within New York, we charge sales tax as required by local regulations. Sales tax may also apply to shipments outside of New York, but within the United States, depending on state tax laws.

International Shipments

Most items shipped outside the United States will be subject to import duties, VAT, or customs charges, which are determined by the destination country's customs authorities. These regulations vary significantly by country, item type, and declared value, making it impossible to predict exact costs in advance. They also change frequently.

In general, duty and VAT are calculated based on the declared value (purchase price) and classification of the item. For example, some countries allow duty-free entry for antiques, maps, and books, while imposing duties on art, prints, and posters.

Customs Clearance Process

Once an item reaches its destination country, it undergoes customs clearance, which is handled by FedEx's customs agents in coordination with local authorities. If import duties or VAT are assessed, FedEx will contact the recipient directly to arrange payment before delivery can proceed. In some cases, there is no duty or tax, but a customs processing charge will be applied.

Ensuring Smooth Delivery

To avoid delays and facilitate a seamless customs process, we recommend:

• Providing accurate and up-to-date contact information at checkout.
• Closely monitoring tracking updates for your shipment.
• Contact your local FedEx office if your package is held in customs for more than one business day.
• Responding promptly to customs documentation and payment requests.

If you have any questions regarding international shipping and customs procedures, feel free to reach out to us before making a purchase!

If FedEx delivers your antique map parcel with obvious damage to the package, please photo-document the damage and ask the delivery driver to make a note of the issue in FedEx's system. You can also refuse the parcel, and it will be returned to us.

If there is no damage to the packaging, but the contents are damaged, please photograph the damage and contact us by email or through our customer service number. In almost all cases, you can return the parcel for a full refund.

We require a signature upon delivery for all shipments to prevent FedEx from leaving your parcel unattended - whether in the rain, a snowdrift, a mud puddle, on the street, or in the hands of an unintended recipient. If you are not home at the time of delivery, FedEx should leave a notification tag and attempt redelivery on the next business day. However, in some unfortunate cases, FedEx delivery drivers may disregard the signature requirement and leave the package anyway.

Some clients request a waiver of the signature requirement. We can accommodate this request only for established clients who fully understand the risks and agree not to hold us liable for any loss or damage. However, please note that without a signature, regular shipping insurance becomes difficult to claim, so such delivery requests are inherently risky.

If you add supplementary Route Insurance (available at checkout) to your order, your parcel will still be fully covered even without a delivery signature.

The best way to ensure a smooth delivery is to closely follow tracking and be aware of when the parcel will arrive.

If you have any concerns about delivery security, feel free to reach out to discuss your options!

If you contact us before or immediately after your order is placed, we can hold the shipment indefinitely.

Once a map has shipped, we have no control. FedEx claims to offer 'hold' and 'redirect' options, but 100% of the time we have attempted to use these services, the request has been ignored, and the parcel was delivered according to the initial shipping label.

FedEx does offer Delivery Manager, a limited recipient-side delivery management option that serves some delivery areas. We have seen good results with clients using this service: https://www.fedex.com/en-us/delivery-manager.html

Geographicus ships to most countries. Each country is unique, and some are more difficult than others. Import laws, taxes, and customs can delay or stop a parcel from arriving. China and most European countries (except the UK) can anticipate a duty assessment and may be asked to produce an invoice and proof of payment reflecting the purchase price. It is always best to reach out with questions before placing an order.

Geographicus charges flat-rate shipping. That means no matter where the parcel is going, shipping costs are the same, dependent upon your service choice. We offer:

• 16.00 USD - FedEx Ground (Domestic)
• 45.00 USD - FedEx Express (Domestic, all orders over 1100 USD)
• 45.00 USD - FedEx Express (International, all orders)

In many cases, this means we lose money on shipping, which we absorb to keep our shipping rates simple.

Most international buyers will also have to pay duty and customs fees to receive their parcels. We cannot control or anticipate these fees. Once the parcel enters your country, FedEx customs agents will begin the clearance process and contact you directly to take payment, so it is important to keep an eye on your email and phone when anticipating our delivery.

Customers have the option to purchase additional insurance at checkout via Route, a third-party insurance vendor. Route insurance is very good, and we highly recommend it.

Orders typically ship within 1-2 business days, but will often go out the same day. Once the order ships, you will receive a FedEx tracking number via email. FedEx is generally reliable, but unforeseen factors such as weather, worker strikes, or mistakes can cause a parcel to be lost or delayed. We have no influence on FedEx once an order is in their hands, so your best course of action is to monitor the parcel through FedEx tracking.

In the frustrating instance where a tracking number has gone 'dark' for a few days, it usually means there is a problem. We try to monitor all parcels until they are delivered but feel free to let us know so we can reach out to FedEx. We encourage you to do the same. FedEx tends to immediately declare a parcel lost. At this point, we file an insurance claim. 90% of the time, when this happens, the parcel is 'magically' delivered about two weeks later - so patience and understanding are helpful at this point.

FedEx Tracking: https://www.fedex.com/en-us/home.html