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RARITY
Some maps were issued in small numbers and are
relatively rare. If other conditions that enhance
value are present the map is further enhanced by rarity,
but rarity alone does not create value.
SIZE
Most collectors prefer large maps. Such maps are usually
more de-tailed and more decorative. Some collectors
do prefer smaller maps since they are less expensive
and easier to store.
THE
MAP MAKER For similar maps, the cartographer can
strongly influence the price. To take one example,
Ortelius and de Jode both produced similar maps at
about the same time. However, Ortelius produced far
more editions of his atlas than de Jode, and de Jode
maps are roughly triple the price of Ortelius maps.
AESTHETIC
QUALITIES Many people buy maps intending to frame
them and display them in their homes or offices. Such
people are more attracted to a map with scrollwork,
fancy borders, sea monsters, fine coloring, etc.,
than to a plainer map of the same region and age.
Some collectors also specialize in decorative maps.
Naturally this increases the price of such maps.
REGION
DEPICTED Collectors in certain countries have
developed a fondness for collecting maps of their
own regions, which drives up prices for maps of those
regions. The Germans, Dutch, English, Australians,
Canadians, and Americans are some of the nationalities
fond of maps of their countries. World maps are appreciated
by collectors everywhere, and often the world map
is the most expensive map in a given atlas. Maps of
the continents, particularly America, are also in
demand, as are maps of the Holy Land and Japan. Some
idea of regional influence can be gained by inspecting
listings for some of the more prolific cartographers
such as Ortelius, Blaeu, Homann, Bowen, or Tallis.
Areas that are more remote or with smaller less affluent
populations have less demand and are often very decorative
and well priced.
HISTORICAL
IMPORTANCE Some maps, particularly those of explorers,
are the earliest to depict an area or feature. Other
maps might depict an important battle or similar event.
Other examples may be imagined geography such as California
as an island. Generally the closer such maps date
to the event the more importance and thus value they
have.
CONDITION
All the maps and prints we sell
are original antiques, so their age must be kept in
mind when considering condition. The condition of
all items is noted. Often maps (and large prints)
have centerfolds; they may also often have some edge
discoloration or general discoloration through age.
Our catalogue entries will not note minor faults,
however any faults that we consider do materially
affect the item will be noted, such as repaired tears,
foxing or irregular staining, soiling, etc.
We
grade our maps on the following scale:
Art Source International
has adopted the following condition codes adopted
from The
Antique Map Price Record & Handbook 1998.
In addition to a short descriptive statement. Their
criteria are described below. We have included these
conditions in our online database of maps and prints.
(A+) Excellent Condition
Clean and bright, with crisp
engraved lines. On sound paper with wide margins.
Fine quality coloring.
(A) Very Good Condition
Clean and bright, with crisp
engraved lines. On sound paper with no imperfections
in the image. Small tears or minor discoloration
in the margin only. Very good quality coloring.
(B)
Good Condition
No
significant imperfections. Minor spotting, foxing,
short separations on centerfold with no image loss,
or overall age toning may be present. May have narrow
margins but paper is still sound. Good coloring.
(C)
Fair Condition
Noticeable imperfections.
Scattered foxing or spotting. Long separations on
centerfold or tears entering image, which can be
easily repaired. Color may be slightly faded.
(D)
Poor Condition
Needs significant repair
and cleaning. Paper may be highly acid and brittle.
Color may be faded.
STAINING
Maps are subject to several different types of staining.
Foreign matter such as ink can be spilled on a map.
Water spills can leave visible traces. Browning can
occur along the centerfold or at old repairs where
the paste has caused chemical deterioration of the
paper. The whole map sometimes browns. Mildew can
result in spotting or "foxing" on the map.
Offset staining also occurs (see Terms). The
effect of staining on price depends on its visual
impact and the type of map. The value of a decorative
map is more affected by staining than is that of a
rare map of scholarly interest. Stains located in
the blank margins are much less serious than stains
in the printed area.
RIPS/TEARS
Many maps become torn over the course of time. Sometimes
this is the result of use, as in the case of maps
that fold into a book. In such cases, tears or separations
along the folds are relatively common. In general,
tears are regarded as less serious if they are confined
to the blank margin. A skilled restorer can repair
tears. Such repairs are often almost invisible on
the map side of the sheet. Tears should be repaired
if the map is to be handled, since they tend to lengthen.
Tears detract from the value of a map, but the effect
on value is somewhat subjective. The collector should
discuss such defects with the dealer.
BACKING
Sometimes maps are found to be pasted or glued to
something such as cardboard, pressboard, or brown
paper. This can detract substantially from the value.
In other cases, the map may have been backed by a
conservator to protect it. Such conservation backing
is usually done carefully with good materials, such
as rice paper and acid-free paste, and helps protect
the map from damage. This should be done only if necessary,
since some collectors find it objectionable on an
otherwise good map. Backing may obscure interesting
text or figures on the back of the map. Some maps
were published with backing. In that case, it obviously
does not detract from the value.
COLORING
Most people interested in decorative maps prefer them
colored. This tends to give nicely colored maps a
slight price premium. The magnitude of this premium
is limited by the practice of coloring maps. The price
differential settles at about the cost of coloring
plus the perceived cost of the bother involved. The
most desirable coloring is original color. Next would
be recent color done in an authentic style. Least
desirable is bad coloring, whether recent or original.
Some maps were never issued colored, and knowledgeable
collectors avoid colored examples. Some sophisticated
collectors believe that coloring obscures the beauty
of any engraved map. In the final analysis, it is
a matter of taste.
MARGINS
The blank margins on maps may have been trimmed at
some time in the past. This reduces the value. Some
maps, however, were issued with narrow margins. Because
of this, there can be no general advice for the beginner,
except to view narrow margins with a jaundiced eye.
If part of the border or some of the map itself is
missing, the value can be reduced substantially.
CREASES
This is perhaps the least serious fault. If a map
has been folded, usually the resulting creases are
almost invisible when unfolded properly. If a map
was issued with fold lines, as in the case of maps
folding into a book, its creases have no effect whatever
on value. Many maps from atlases have vertical fold
lines down the center. This is normal and does not
affect the value.
Reprinted with permission.
Originally copyrighted
by David C. Jolly. Subsequently published with permission
in Antique Map Price Record & Handbook
by Jon K. Rosenthal. Additional material added by
Art Source International.
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