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Building a Map and Globe Collection: Where to Start
Are you captivated by the intricate lines of an antique map, the rich patina of a vintage globe, or the stories these cartographic treasures hold? You're not alone.
Collecting maps and globes offers a unique window into history, art, geography, and human exploration. It's a passion that combines intellectual curiosity with the joy of discovery, allowing you to hold history in your hands.
However, starting a collection can feel overwhelming. With a vast world of cartography out there, knowing where to begin, what to look for, and how to care for your finds is crucial for a rewarding journey.
This authoritative guide is designed specifically for the aspiring collector. We'll navigate the initial steps, from understanding what sparks your interest to finding your first pieces and caring for your growing collection. By the end, you'll have a solid foundation and the confidence to embark on this fascinating pursuit.
The Allure of Cartographic Collecting: Why Maps and Globes?
The impulse to collect is deeply human, and focusing on maps and globes taps into several profound fascinations. They are more than just geographical representations; they are historical documents, artistic expressions, and tangible links to the past.
Imagine holding a map created hundreds of years ago, seeing how the world was perceived before modern technology, or spinning a globe that once sat in a scholar's library.
These objects tell stories of exploration, political shifts, changing borders, and the evolution of our understanding of the planet. They can transport you through time and space, offering endless opportunities for learning and contemplation.
Furthermore, antique and vintage maps and globes possess undeniable aesthetic appeal. Their intricate details, beautiful engraving, vibrant hand-coloring, and unique patinas make them striking decorative pieces, adding character and history to any space.
Collecting can also be a way to connect with a specific historical period, a particular region, or even the history of cartography itself. Whatever your motivation, the world of maps and globes offers a rich and rewarding collecting experience.
More Than Just Geography: Art and History Intertwined
Every antique map and globe is a piece of both scientific history and artistic endeavor. Before mass production, maps were often hand-drawn, engraved onto copper or wood plates, and colored by hand.
The artistry involved in their creation is often breathtaking, featuring ornate title cartouches, decorative borders, mythical creatures, ships at sea, and detailed vignettes.
These artistic elements not only beautify the map but also provide clues about the culture, beliefs, and artistic styles of the time they were created. Looking closely at the details can reveal as much about the people who made and used the map as it does about the geography it depicts.
Globes, too, are objects of historical artistry. Their gores (the printed segments that form the sphere) required precise calculations and skilled application, often featuring detailed illustrations and elegant typography.
Examining an old globe allows you to see outdated country names, different political boundaries, and perhaps even geographical features that were only speculated upon or were based on incomplete information at the time.
They serve as three-dimensional snapshots of historical understanding and geopolitical realities, making them powerful educational tools as well as captivating collectibles.
A Tangible Connection to the Past and Human Exploration
Holding an object created centuries ago provides a unique, tangible connection to the past. Maps and globes were essential tools for explorers, merchants, navigators, and scholars.
They represent humanity's enduring drive to understand and map the world around us, reflecting courage, ingenuity, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.
Acquiring a map or globe that played a role in historical events, documented significant discoveries, or simply guided someone on a long-ago journey can be a profound experience.
It allows you to step back in time and imagine the world through the eyes of those who lived during a different era, relying on these very charts to navigate their world.
This direct link to history is a significant part of the appeal for many collectors, turning a simple object into a powerful historical artifact.
Defining Your Collection: What Sparks Your Interest?
The world of maps and globes is vast and diverse, spanning centuries of creation and covering every corner of the planet, and beyond. Trying to collect everything is impractical and overwhelming for a beginner.
A crucial first step in building your collection is to define your focus. What specific aspect of cartography or geography truly excites you?
Narrowing your scope will not only make your collecting journey more manageable but also allow you to develop expertise in a particular area, making your acquisitions more meaningful and informed.
Consider your interests: Are you fascinated by exploration, military history, specific historical periods, a particular country or region, the history of science, or perhaps decorative art?
Your personal passions can provide an excellent starting point for defining the direction of your collection. This focus can evolve over time, but starting with a clear idea will give you purpose and direction.
Types of Maps to Consider: From Atlases to Wall Maps
Maps come in countless forms, each offering a different perspective and appeal for collectors. Understanding the variety available is essential for choosing your focus.
**Atlases:** These bound volumes of maps were vital reference tools and often contain beautifully engraved and colored plates. Collecting specific editions, atlases from particular publishers, or atlases focusing on certain regions can be a rewarding pursuit.
**Sheet Maps:** These are individual maps, ranging from small pocket maps folded for travel to large, multi-sheet wall maps intended for display. Sheet maps offer incredible variety in subject matter and design.
**Pocket Maps:** Designed for travelers, these maps are often small, foldable, and sometimes mounted on linen for durability. They offer insights into historical transportation routes and urban development.
**Wall Maps:** Large-format maps intended for display in schools, offices, or homes. They can be very decorative and often feature significant detail.
**Celestial Maps (Star Charts):** Maps of the stars and constellations, important for navigation and astronomy. They possess a unique beauty and often feature mythological figures representing the constellations.
**Town Plans and City Maps:** Detailed maps focusing on specific urban areas. They show street layouts, buildings, and other urban features, providing valuable historical information about cities.
**Sea Charts (Nautical Maps):** Maps created for navigation at sea, depicting coastlines, harbors, water depths, and navigational hazards. Early sea charts can be particularly artistic and historically significant.
**Military Maps:** Maps created for military purposes, often showing troop movements, fortifications, and strategic terrain. These can be very detailed and historically important.
**Thematic Maps:** Maps that illustrate specific themes, such as geology, climate, population distribution, or historical events. These highlight how maps can be used to visualize data beyond simple geography.
Each type presents different collecting opportunities, price ranges, and considerations for care and storage. Exploring these varieties will help you discover what resonates most with you.
Navigating the World of Globes: Terrestrial, Celestial, and More
Globes offer a three-dimensional representation of the world, providing a different tactile and visual experience compared to flat maps.
**Terrestrial Globes:** The most common type, representing the Earth's surface. They show continents, countries, oceans, and geographical features. Terrestrial globes vary greatly in size, age, and complexity.
**Celestial Globes:** Represent the celestial sphere and the positions of stars and constellations. Like celestial maps, they are important in the history of astronomy and navigation and are often highly decorative.
**Armillary Spheres:** Models illustrating the fundamental circles of the celestial sphere, such as the equator, ecliptic, and meridians. While not strictly globes of the Earth, they are related cartographic instruments and sought after by collectors.
Globes are often dated based on political boundaries shown and changes in geographical understanding, as well as the style of cartography and the materials used.
The base and stand of a globe can also be significant, ranging from simple wooden stands to elaborate metal or even ivory supports.
Collecting globes presents unique challenges regarding size, display space, and care, but their presence is often a striking focal point in a collection.
Setting Your Focus: Theme, Period, or Region?
Once you've explored the types of maps and globes available, consider how you want to narrow your focus. A well-defined collection often has a theme, period, or regional emphasis.
**By Theme:** You might collect maps related to a specific historical event (e.g., exploration routes, battle plans), a particular industry (e.g., railway maps, mining maps), or a scientific field (e.g., geological maps).
**By Period:** Focusing on a specific era, such as the Age of Exploration (16th-17th centuries), the Golden Age of Dutch Cartography (17th century), or the Victorian era, allows you to delve deep into the cartographic styles and historical context of that time.
**By Region:** Collecting maps and globes of a particular country, state, city, or continent is a popular approach. This is especially meaningful if the region has personal significance to you.
You could also focus on a specific cartographer or publisher, tracing their work and contribution to the field.
Starting with a clear focus doesn't mean you can't acquire interesting pieces outside of it, but it provides a framework and helps guide your learning and acquisitions.
Where to Unearth Your Cartographic Treasures
Finding maps and globes for your collection is part of the adventure. Unlike more common collectibles, antique and vintage cartographic items require knowing where to look and being patient and persistent.
The market for maps and globes is diverse, ranging from high-end auction houses to dusty antique shops and online marketplaces. Each source has its advantages and disadvantages.
Understanding where to search will broaden your opportunities and increase your chances of finding desirable pieces within your budget.
Building relationships with dealers and other collectors can also open doors to acquiring pieces that might not be publicly listed.
Navigating the Online Landscape: Auctions and Marketplaces
The internet has revolutionized collecting, making items from around the globe accessible with a few clicks. Online platforms are indispensable resources for map and globe collectors.
**Online Auction Sites:** Websites like eBay offer a vast and ever-changing inventory. You can find everything from inexpensive decorative prints to significant antique pieces. However, provenance and authenticity can be harder to verify online, especially from private sellers.
**Specialized Online Marketplaces:** Sites dedicated specifically to antique maps and prints (like AbeBooks for books including atlases, or specialized print dealer websites) often have more curated selections and knowledgeable sellers. These sources can offer higher quality and better-described items.
**Auction House Websites:** Many major auction houses (like Sotheby's, Christie's, Swann Galleries) and regional auction houses list their upcoming sales online. These are sources for significant, high-value items, often with detailed descriptions and condition reports. Participating requires understanding auction procedures and buyer's premiums.
When buying online, it's crucial to examine photographs carefully, read descriptions thoroughly, inquire about condition reports, and research the seller's reputation. Don't hesitate to ask questions before bidding or purchasing.
Exploring Brick-and-Mortar Havens: Antique Shops and Bookstores
While online sources are convenient, the experience of browsing in person offers unique benefits. Antique shops and used bookstores often hide cartographic gems.
**Antique Shops and Malls:** While many may only carry decorative reproductions, some antique shops, particularly those specializing in paper goods or fine art, can have genuine antique maps and globes. Searching through portfolios or shelves can lead to exciting discoveries.
**Used and Antiquarian Bookstores:** Since maps were often published in books and atlases, bookstores specializing in old books are excellent places to find maps, either as loose sheets that have been removed from atlases or as complete bound volumes.
The advantage of shopping in person is that you can physically inspect the item, assess its condition firsthand, and sometimes negotiate the price.
Talking to shop owners can also be valuable, as they may have knowledge about the item's history or provenance, or know of other potential sources.
Beyond the Usual: Shows, Flea Markets, and Direct Sellers
Expanding your search beyond mainstream sources can uncover unexpected finds and connect you with the collecting community.
**Map and Book Fairs:** Attending specialized antique map fairs or antiquarian book fairs is highly recommended. These events bring together multiple dealers under one roof, offering a wide selection and the opportunity to see many items in person.
**Flea Markets and Garage Sales:** While the likelihood of finding rare or high-value items is lower, these venues can occasionally yield interesting and inexpensive maps or globes, sometimes from non-collectors who don't realize what they have.
**Direct from Collectors or Estates:** Sometimes, opportunities arise to purchase collections directly from individuals or estates. This often requires networking and being known within the collecting community.
Exploring these diverse sources requires time and effort but can significantly enrich your collection and your understanding of the market.
What to Look for When Acquiring Your First Pieces
Once you've found a potential addition to your collection, whether online or in person, it's essential to evaluate it carefully. Several factors influence the desirability and value of a map or globe.
Don't rush into a purchase, especially for more expensive items. Take the time to inspect the piece thoroughly and, if possible, do some quick research.
Learning the key indicators of condition, authenticity, and value will help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
This knowledge is built over time through experience and research, so be patient with yourself as you learn.
Assessing Condition: Tears, Folds, and Restoration
The condition of a map or globe is a primary factor in its value. Even antique items are expected to be in reasonably good shape for their age.
**Paper Condition:** Look for tears, rips, creases, and excessive folding. Is the paper brittle or foxed (brown spots caused by acidity)? Water stains, mold, or insect damage (like wormholes) significantly impact value.
**Coloring:** If the map is hand-colored, is the color vibrant or faded? Is it original coloring from the time of publication, or later coloring? Original coloring is generally more desirable.
**Damage to Globular Surface:** For globes, check for scuffs, scratches, dents, or lifting/peeling gores (the paper segments). The varnish surface should ideally be intact, though some age-appropriate wear is expected.
**Restoration:** Many antique maps and globes have undergone some form of restoration, such as tear repairs, cleaning, or color touch-ups. Professional restoration is often acceptable and necessary to preserve the piece, but amateur repairs can devalue an item.
Always ask about any known damage or restoration. A transparent seller will disclose these details. Don't expect perfection from truly old pieces, but understand how condition impacts desirability and price.
Verifying Authenticity: Signatures, Watermarks, and Plate Marks
Ensuring that the map or globe is genuine and from the period claimed is paramount. The market unfortunately contains reproductions and facsimiles.
**Publication Information:** Authentic antique maps usually include the publisher's name, the cartographer's name, and sometimes the date or edition number. Look for these details printed on the map.
**Paper Type:** Examine the paper. Genuine antique paper has a different feel and appearance than modern paper. Holding it up to the light might reveal a watermark, which can sometimes help date or identify the paper source.
**Printing Technique:** Understand the printing methods used during different periods (e.g., woodcut, copper engraving, lithography). The appearance of the lines and text should be consistent with the claimed age and method.
**Plate Marks:** Copper-engraved maps often show a faint indentation (plate mark) around the edge of the printed area, left by the copper plate during the printing process. The absence of a plate mark on a supposed copper engraving could indicate a reproduction.
**Style and Content:** Familiarize yourself with the cartographic styles and geographical knowledge of different periods. Anachronisms (like modern place names on an old map) are clear signs of a fake.
When in doubt, especially for significant purchases, consult with a reputable dealer or an expert in antique cartography. Building knowledge through research is your best defense against reproductions.
Understanding Value: Rarity, Desirability, and Provenance
Determining the value of a map or globe involves several factors beyond just condition and authenticity. Rarity, desirability, and provenance play significant roles.
**Rarity:** How many copies of this map or globe were produced, and how many are known to survive today? Rarer items, all else being equal, tend to be more valuable.
**Desirability:** Is the map or globe sought after by collectors? Maps of historically significant areas (like early maps of the Americas or important cities), maps by famous cartographers (like Ortelius, Mercator, Blaeu), or maps with decorative elements (like cartouches or vignettes) are often highly desirable.
**Provenance:** The history of ownership can add value, especially if the item was owned by a notable person or was part of a well-known collection.
**Historical Significance:** Did the map document a major discovery, influence exploration, or play a role in a historical event? Such significance increases value.
**Aesthetics:** The visual appeal, quality of engraving, and coloring significantly impact desirability and value.
Prices vary widely based on these factors, ranging from affordable decorative prints to museum-piece investments. Researching prices for comparable items is crucial before making a purchase. Online databases and past auction results can be helpful resources.
Nurturing Your Collection: Care and Storage
Acquiring maps and globes is only the first step; properly caring for them is essential to preserve their condition and value for years to come.
Paper and the materials used in globes are susceptible to environmental damage and improper handling. Taking precautions will prevent deterioration.
Treat every piece in your collection, regardless of its monetary value, as a historical artifact that deserves careful preservation.
Establishing good care and storage habits from the beginning will save you heartache and potential costs down the line.
The Enemies of Paper and Varnish: Light, Humidity, and Pests
Several environmental factors can cause irreversible damage to your maps and globes. Protecting your collection from these "enemies" is a top priority.
**Light:** Both natural and artificial light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light, can cause paper to become brittle and fade coloring. Displaying maps away from direct sunlight and using UV-filtering glass or acrylic in frames is crucial.
**Humidity and Temperature Fluctuations:** High humidity can lead to mold growth and encourage insect activity, while low humidity can make paper brittle. Fluctuating conditions can cause materials to expand and contract, leading to damage. Aim for stable conditions, ideally around 50 percent relative humidity and moderate temperatures.
**Pests:** Insects like silverfish and bookworms, as well as rodents, are attracted to paper and can cause significant damage. Store items in clean, pest-free environments.
**Acids:** Acids in surrounding materials, such as non-archival mats, backing boards, or storage containers, can migrate into the paper and cause discoloration and deterioration (acid burn). Always use acid-free and lignin-free archival materials for storage and framing.
Being mindful of the environment where your collection is stored or displayed is the first line of defense against damage.
Proper Handling and Storage Techniques
How you handle and store your maps and globes directly impacts their longevity. Gentle and informed handling is key.
**Handling Maps:** Always handle maps with clean, dry hands, or wear cotton or nitrile gloves, especially when dealing with delicate or valuable pieces. Support the map fully when moving it to prevent creasing or tearing.
**Storage for Maps:** Flat storage is generally best for sheet maps, especially larger ones. Use acid-free folders and store them in flat file cabinets or archival boxes. If rolling a map is necessary for temporary storage or transport, roll it around a large-diameter tube using archival materials.
**Framing Maps:** If framing a map for display, use archival-quality matting, backing, and UV-filtering glass. Ensure the map is not permanently attached to the backing board (e.g., use photo corners or archival hinges). Leave space between the map's surface and the glass.
**Handling and Storage for Globes:** Handle globes by the base whenever possible, avoiding touching the sphere directly with bare hands, as oils can cause damage. Store globes in stable locations where they are unlikely to be knocked over or exposed to extreme conditions.
Investing in appropriate archival storage supplies is a necessary expense for any serious collector committed to preserving their items.
When to Seek Professional Restoration
Despite the best care, some maps and globes may have existing damage or suffer accidental harm. Knowing when and how to seek professional help is important.
Attempting complex repairs yourself without proper training can cause more damage and devalue the item.
A professional paper conservator specializing in maps and prints has the expertise, tools, and materials to safely clean, repair tears, mend losses, flatten creases, and address issues like foxing or mold.
For globes, specialists can repair gores, clean surfaces, and address stand damage. Look for conservators who are members of professional organizations, as this often indicates adherence to ethical standards and best practices.
While restoration can be an investment, it can significantly improve the appearance, stability, and long-term preservation of a damaged piece, sometimes even increasing its value. Get estimates and discuss the proposed treatments thoroughly before proceeding.
Becoming a Knowledgeable Collector: Research and Learning
Building a map and globe collection is a journey of continuous learning. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to identify desirable pieces, assess their condition, verify authenticity, and understand their historical context.
Knowledge is your most valuable tool as a collector, enabling you to make informed decisions and avoid pitfalls.
Dedicate time to researching cartography, history, and the specific areas of your collection focus.
Engaging with the collecting community is also a fantastic way to learn from experienced individuals and stay informed about the market.
Essential Research Tools: Books, Databases, and Online Resources
A wealth of information is available to help you learn about maps and globes. Building a personal reference library is highly recommended.
**Reference Books:** Invest in comprehensive books on the history of cartography, specific cartographers, types of maps, and regional mapping histories. Standard reference works can help identify maps and provide background information.
**Dealer Catalogs:** Reputable map and book dealers often publish catalogs with detailed descriptions of items for sale, including historical context and condition reports. These catalogs, even older ones, can be excellent learning resources.
**Online Databases and Libraries:** Many major libraries and institutions have digitized portions of their map collections, making them searchable online. Databases like the David Rumsey Map Collection or the Library of Congress map division are invaluable for comparison and research.
**Specialized Websites and Blogs:** Numerous websites and blogs are dedicated to map and globe collecting, offering articles, news, and resources.
Consistent research will deepen your appreciation for the items you collect and empower you to make smarter acquisitions.
Connecting with the Community: Forums, Societies, and Experts
Connecting with other collectors and experts is one of the most rewarding aspects of the hobby and a vital source of knowledge.
**Collector Societies:** Join national or regional map and globe collector societies. These organizations often host meetings, lectures, and symposia, and their publications (journals, newsletters) are filled with valuable information.
**Online Forums and Social Media Groups:** Participate in online communities where collectors discuss finds, ask questions, and share knowledge. These platforms can be great for learning from others' experiences.
**Dealers and Auctioneers:** Build relationships with reputable map and globe dealers and auctioneers. They are often highly knowledgeable and can offer advice, identify items, and help you find pieces for your collection.
**Museums and Archives:** Visit museums and archives with significant map collections. Seeing important historical maps in person can be incredibly educational and inspiring. Museum curators are also often experts in the field.
Learning from others, sharing your passion, and engaging in discussions will significantly enhance your collecting experience and expertise.
Budgeting for Your Passion
Collecting maps and globes can range from an inexpensive hobby to a significant investment. It's important to set a realistic budget early on and understand the costs involved.
Maps and globes are available across a wide spectrum of prices, from decorative prints costing tens of dollars to rare museum-quality pieces valued at thousands or even millions.
Your budget will influence the types of maps and globes you can realistically acquire and the pace at which your collection grows.
Remember that collecting is not just about acquiring expensive items; a meaningful and valuable collection can be built on a modest budget by focusing on a specific niche or finding undervalued pieces.
Setting Realistic Financial Goals
Before you start buying, determine how much you are willing and able to spend on your collection over time. This will help guide your search and prevent impulsive purchases.
Consider both the cost of the items themselves and associated expenses like shipping, framing, storage supplies, research materials, and potentially restoration.
Decide if you want to focus on acquiring a few higher-value pieces or build a larger collection of more affordable items.
Your budget may evolve as your knowledge and passion grow, but starting with clear financial goals provides a practical framework for your collecting activities.
Investing in Quality Over Quantity
Especially when starting, it can be tempting to acquire many inexpensive items quickly. However, experienced collectors often recommend focusing on acquiring fewer, higher-quality pieces that align with your collecting focus.
A single, well-preserved, historically significant map or globe can be a more valuable and satisfying addition than several damaged or common ones.
Learning to identify quality – in terms of condition, authenticity, historical significance, and desirability – is a crucial skill.
While finding bargains is always exciting, be wary of items that seem too cheap, as they may have hidden condition issues or be reproductions.
Conclusion: Embarking on Your Cartographic Journey
Building a map and globe collection is a profoundly enriching hobby, offering a unique blend of historical exploration, artistic appreciation, intellectual discovery, and personal connection.
It's a journey that invites continuous learning, connects you with history in a tangible way, and allows you to curate your own view of the world's past.
Starting can seem daunting, but by defining your interests, researching potential sources, learning how to evaluate pieces, and understanding the importance of care, you can build a rewarding collection.
Remember to be patient, enjoy the process of discovery, and connect with the vibrant community of fellow collectors and experts.
Whether you dream of rare atlases, charming pocket maps, or elegant terrestrial globes, the world of cartographic collecting awaits. Take this guide as your first chart, and begin plotting the course for your own unique collection. Happy collecting!
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