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Here's 5 Pointers or a quick round up of recent post information you need to get familier with when it comes to collecting antique maps. These basics will help you evaluate any antique map you're considering for purchase. As mentioned previously you want to look at whats on the paper. Check for identifyers like the platemark, a neatline, the distance scale and should the map have a centerfold?
Importantly check the paper itself. What does the paper tell you? Is it laid paper or wove? This will help clarify does the paper fit with the claimed age of the map. What is the back (Verso) of the map telling you? If possible, especially as a novice you want to try and get to see the maps 'in the flesh' as it were. There's nothing like seeing, touching and feeling these antique items. Once you're more confident you can consider distance buying online.
Top Tip: It's good to examine the cartouche carefully, especially on early maps where they are more elaborate. What does it tell you? Is the design style in keeping with the period the map is from? But its not just about design style, often the official title of the map is found within the cartouche. Other useful information sometimes recorded within the cartouche will include the mapmaker, publisher, date and place of publication, a distance scale or a dedication. All this is important information helping you to identify the map and its originality.
Top Tip: When you become familiar with cartouche styles and designs you will notice that you can often identify a mapmaker simply on the basis of a cartouche design. Having a basic knowledge of cartouche styles from sixteenth to nineteenth century and the work of mapmakers of the period is a big benefit when you want to build a map collection. It's another piece in the jigsaw helping you identify an original antique map. For more info check out Tips for the Novice.
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