Helpful Tips on How to Collect Old Maps
The map industry has significantly rebounded from the slowdown that almost all antique markets experienced after the financial crisis almost a decade ago. There is robust demand and interest in various antique maps ranging from more common maps to rarer finds.
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How Maps are Defined or Categorized in General
Obviously, the most common categorization is based on the depicted geography, such as Asia maps, US maps, maps of Texas, and others.
One more way collectors think of maps is according to type, like folding or pocket maps, atlases, wall maps, railroad maps, maps of early exploration of a particular region, books with maps, and others. Some collectors separately categorize the interesting city maps, and pictorial and bird’s-eye views map that become even more common during the early 20th century.
Specialties in Map Collecting
Like most collectibles, collectors tend to follow their passion and stamp their interests in their collections. Having said this, several themes are often followed. Some consider maps as artworks, particularly the country maps before the 19th century, full of allegorical figures and vignettes. These collectors collect maps according to perceived artistic value and aesthetics.
Most collectors focus on specific geographies relevant to them, like their heritage, residence, and others. Similarly, there are collectors focusing on a certain period, such as before the 18th century, or a particular map theme or type, like historical maps from the US Revolutionary War. There are times when collectors grow to become generalists, which means they will collect all kinds of maps.
Map Elements or Features That Affect Value and Prompt Interest of Collectors
Like other forms of antiques and art, no rigid formal can help define potential interest or value. Value is often a function of desirability, uniqueness, age, rarity, cartography, map size, and artistic impression, including condition and coloration.
