Antique Maps, Atlases And Cartography: Restoration And Auctions

For much of the Earth's history, the world was full of great unknowns. Explorers trekked thousands of miles trying to draw up maps of what the lands surrounding theirs looked like. Today, the global population has a much better idea of what the world around them looks like, but many yearn for the halcyon days when every step was a new adventure. Perhaps this is why the antique maps market has taken off as much as it has. Antique maps allow a glimpse of a simpler and more exciting time in human history.

There are many different types of antique maps out there right now. The great majority of these antique maps are reproductions or prints, because the originals are in such rough conditions or because the most classical of the antique cartography is housed in museums or research campuses instead of in personal collections. For those interested in antique atlas or map collection, but do not want to spend thousands of dollars and even millions for the rarer pieces, the best bet is to stick with the reproduced copies, which might not have the age or history of some of the classic antique maps, but still evoke that sense of history.

For those individuals with the money and time to track down and purchase antique maps, a market does exist for them. Even though printing and copying methods were not always the most reliable in antiquity, many thousands of different maps existed for different purposes. A somewhat small number of antique maps have survived over the years, but not all of them are important enough to be displayed or stored by governments or professionals. Many find their way into auction houses and eBay where, depending on the quality of the antique atlas or map, pieces can go for hundreds, thousands or even millions of dollars.

For those antique maps not in great shape, there is a process for map restoration. Map restoration can be anything as complex as replacing fabric or paper to simply touching up a little of the ink or paint work. If significant portions of the map are missing, the cartography is extremely difficult to replace unless similar maps from that time period can be found and copied. Map restoration can be done by private firms for a significant amount of money depending on how large the project is. Some museums will also do a limited amount of restoration for private pieces they are allowed to display.

There is something fun and exciting about owning a piece of history. Antique maps allow people a look into the history of civilization and a chance to discover the world in a unique and fun way. Unless the individual buys reproduced or copied antique maps, of course, the hobby can grow to be a very expensive and time consuming one. For some people, however, the allure of owning the past is too great to give up, and for those individuals, the antique maps market is a great way to explore the world through the eyes of history.


Sources:
Antique Maps, Atlases, & Decorative Graphics. Old World Auctions. 2005-2007. 23 July 2007. http://www.oldworldauctions.com/list.asp?bydept=ye s&lotStart=1&lotend=75&numrecords=50&a />
"Tips for Collectors." The Old Map Gallery. 2007. 23 July 2007. http://www.oldmapgallery.com/catalog/collectors_pr int.html.

Maps, Atlases, & Reference Books For Sale. Rare Maps. 2007. 23 July 2007. http://www.raremaps.com/maps.htm.

"Cartography." Wikipedia. 19 July 2007. 23 July 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartography.