Antique Maps

Antique maps are a popular collectible today. One of the things that make antique maps so interesting is that throughout history the names, places and continents have changed. Not only did there names change, but in some cases their locations. Some places on maps don't even exist anymore as these placed have sunken into the ocean. Specifying antique maps is much like books only more precise. The wide range of antique maps that are available today means that a novice can easily enter the field; although hopefully armed with a little caution and common sense. The best place to begin is with some reading. The price range for purchasing an antique map is as wide, or wider, than almost every other field of antique collecting. Perfectly acceptable antique maps can be had for as little as $50. For those with a lot more money to work with, rare or hard-to-find maps can easily run into five or six figures. With the relatively low cost of entry, antique map collecting is an ideal choice for many individuals, by combining wide opportunity for research and learning (history, geography, art, engraving, printing, politics, to name but a few) with the opportunity to display one's prizes in an attractive way. And for those who

truly get into it antique map collecting can become a passion that is limited only by the imagination. To buy a map you can visit a local map dealer, or attend a map fair, so that you can see some original maps. Or you can check out the illustrated, online listing of Antiquarian Map sellers' Catalogues, which are accessible via the special Oddens' Bookmarks search option that is provided for the history of cartography. The 'Web Images' page includes a section on larger map dealer sites to help you get going. You can use those links to locate pictures of maps of a particular region, or search out those by a specific maker. This is also a way to find out something about an individual item.