Maps
Shop Maps from independent sellers in Books & Printed Media.
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Sell with us →About maps
Maps are bought for two quite different reasons: to navigate and to collect. Practical maps include topographic and hiking sheets, cycling and road maps, and nautical charts. Collectible maps include antique engraved maps, vintage folding road maps, old city plans, railway maps and pages from historic atlases.
For collectible maps, the key details are age, printing method, original or later coloring, size and condition. Folds, toning, foxing and tears are common, and buyers should know whether a map is an original or a modern reproduction.
Decorative map prints and custom maps are popular for framing, while practical maps should be checked for currency — roads, trails and navigational information change over time.
Buying maps from independent sellers
- Ask whether a map is an original printing or a reproduction, and look for the publisher and date.
- Check the size and whether it has folds, toning, foxing or repaired tears before framing it.
- For navigation, use current maps and charts — older editions are for reference or display, not safety.
- Find out how it will be shipped: flat or rolled in a sturdy tube, never folded if it wasn't originally.
- If a map was removed from an atlas, the listing should say which atlas and edition.
Questions about maps
How can I tell if an old map is original?
Originals often show plate marks, period paper and printing details that reproductions lack. Ask the seller about the source and date, and request close-up photos.
Can I use a vintage nautical chart or trail map for navigation?
No — use current official charts and maps for navigation and safety. Keep older ones for display, research or collecting.
How are maps shipped?
Flat maps should ship between rigid boards; larger prints usually ship rolled in a strong tube. Ask the seller if it isn't stated.