What do Antique Map Collectors Collect? Just One Thing

As mentioned before on the blog if you have just a hint of knowledge about the fascinating world of maps you'll appreciate that old maps exist in a vast variety of forms, let alone the many differences in shape, size, subject and appearance.  So it's fair to ask what do collectors collect?  Here’s a quick list of some of the most popular categories of collecting:

1. By area    2. By mapmaker    3. Of a particular period    4. Displaying particular features    5. By theme    6. Individual significance
7. Appearance alone    8. For investment

​All the above have a special reason of interest for collectors as varied as the very collectors themselves. Here are two types of map that map enthusiasts love to collect.

County Map of Dorsetshire by Ebden & Duncan c1833                                          County Map of Warwickshire by John Speed c1611

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​Just One Thing - By Area
This is one of the most popular geographic themes for collectors.  It allows for a large amount of scope while keeping a limit on the size of a collection and control on cost or the level of investment. 

​You may decide to collect various antique maps of a specific area, like county maps. If you're based in the UK maybe english county maps are of interest to you. Some people collect maps by various mapmakers but only of a specific county.  There will be other maps available about the area also, like road maps, town plans, river maps or some with other cartographic features of interest. 

Collecting rare maps "By Area" is just one thing thats popular with map collectors.  These kinds of maps are readily available in the current market.  If these types of maps are something you already collect I'd love to hear why they interest you?  Please join in the conversation and leave a comment below...