Collecting Antique Maps - What Kind of Map? More Tips for the Novice

One size fits all! That may be true with many things in this life but you'll quickly realise that its not the case with antique maps. In fact its more a case of every size, shape, form, subject, appearance and kind of antique map is out there if you have a look around.  This obviously makes the issue of what to collect somewhat daunting on one level, but on another level you could say you're spoilt for choice.

Understanding why a map was made, the available technology of the time and the maps accuracy is important.  How it fits in with the perceived geography, beliefs, social and cultural realities of a bygone era can also have a bearing on how we view such a map today.  All these things can influence what maps we are personally attracted to.  The where, why and how has its place, but at its core map collecting is a matter of the heart.  So to keep this as simple as possible if you're new to map collecting, exactly what kinds of maps are on offer?  Well,  a list would do but I doubt it would mean much, so I'll spread it over more than one post. 

Above: (Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Tabula Auctore F. De Wit.) Doncker, Hendrik from de Zee-Atlas ofte Water-Waereld, vertoonende alle de Zee-Kusten van het bekende deel des Aerd-Bodems. Amsterdam: Henrick Doncker, 1666.

First and foremost Hemisphere Projections are very popular, attractive and collectable.  These maps effectively convert half of the spherical world to a circle. obviously these don't come in all shapes, but they do come in all sizes, something for everyone almost.  World Maps using a hemispheric projection are know as double-hemispheres.  You can also get them based on the Western-Eastern Hemisphere or Northern-Southern (polar) Hemisphere with extensive variations.

There are many affordable examples of single and double hemisphere maps to be found in the market obviously the example above is at the top end.  If hemispheres are for you, then do some research there are many variations. There is going to be something out there for you, you just need to look . . .

Happy Hunting!

​Image Credit: Sotheby's Wardington Library 2005