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Many people love collecting antique items as a
hobby. One of them is antique maps collection. Antique maps are
sold in two forms - bound in a book, or as a separate sheet.
Antique map collection can usually be divided into two types:
‘Horizontal’ collection and ‘Vertical’ collection. ‘Horizontal’
map collection includes concentrating on a particular time
period or collecting the maps of only one map maker. ‘Vertical’
map collection means collecting maps from one country or one
particular area of the world and then following the development
of that country or area through history. |
Antique maps and atlases come at a price. One must decide on the type
of map collection and the kind of money that one wants to spend. Small
and less olden maps perhaps are not that expensive but older maps are
more valuable and hence more expensive. The value of old maps is also
affected by supply and demand.
Maps of Africa, Russia, and South America and other less popular regions
can be very affordable. Old antique world maps dating back to the 16th
and the 17th century are very expensive as against the new ones. If one
cannot afford to shell out a lot of money one can buy reproductions of
expensive and rare antique maps.
The best thing an amateur antique map collector should do is to visit
antique map shops, talk to the dealers and see the wide range of maps
that are available. Not just that, there are dedicated map fairs, and
antiquarian book fairs which have a lot of antique map dealers who offer
many types of antique maps for sale.
Before starting to collect maps one must know about the general
considerations for collecting maps. One should know about the elements
on a map, how to read a map, different papers used for printing maps,
learning how to recognize fake maps form the authentic ones etc.
If one wants to sell maps, it is better to learn about prices, auctions,
competitive dealers etc. If one is collecting maps according to their
history, it is important to preserve the maps in a chronological order.
Framed current antique world maps are presented in a lot of galleries
holding exhibitions on antiques or different auctions held to sell
antique items.
One of the niches in antique map collection is the collection of antique
panoramic maps. Panoramic maps are also known as bird's-eye view maps.
These maps predominantly show landscapes, buildings, and streets of that
particular city or state.
Old panoramic maps often include town harbors full of ships, building
developments and depict a vivacious, bustling industry. Old panoramic
city maps are not only historically interesting but also beautifully
drawn..
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