Maps and Atlases

Antique maps can often be defined as rare and valuable based on several factors that collectors and historians consider. The key elements that contribute to the rarity and value of old maps include age, the importance of the cartographer or (if printed) printer/publisher, the historical significance of subject at the time of the map's creation, condition and, where relevant, provenance. Other aspects to factor in are the size of the map, the colouring (in terms of presence, age and quality), overall aesthetic appeal and in some cases topicality.

For display purposes, Forum Auctions recommends hinging or tipping your maps onto acid free mounts, and framed with glass or plexiglass that is resistant to harmful light. For storage purposes, we would recommend storing flat, each map stored within a mylar or similarly protective sleeve. If you are looking to build a map collection we would recommend investing in a good quality plan chest, alongside obviously contacting our specialists to foster a mutually beneficial relationship!

In regard to the types of colouring used in antique maps, there are several terms commonly used by institutions and collectors to describe different techniques. Here are some significant types of colouring found in antique maps:

1. Original/Contemporary Colour: This refers to colouring applied to a map during its original production or soon after. Skilled artisans would typically add colour by hand using watercolours or gouache. The colours were often vibrant and applied with care & precision.

2. Old Colour/Old Hand-Colour: This term indicates that the colouring is old but may not necessarily be exactly coeval to the map's production. It implies that the colouring was applied some time ago, possibly shortly after the map was made. The exact age of the colouring might be difficult to determine, but it suggests that the colouring is not a recent addition.

3. Coloured in Outline: Also known as "uncoloured" or "unfilled," this term indicates that only the outlines of the map and major boundaries or features are coloured, while the interior areas remain uncoloured or blank.

4. Later Colour: This refers to colouring added to a map at a later point in time, usually after the map's original production or during a subsequent period. Later colour can vary in quality and may not hold the same historical appeal as original or contemporary colour.

5. Hand-Colouring: Hand-colouring refers to the manual application of colour to a map, typically using watercolours, gouache, or similar pigments. Hand-coloured maps were often coloured individually by skilled artists or workshops. Hand-colouring can exhibit variations in intensity, shading, and technique, adding to the uniqueness and appeal of each map.

6. Colour Printed: Colour printed or chromolithography refers to maps where the colour was applied during the printing process rather than added by hand afterward. Colour printing techniques, such as chromolithography, became popular in the 19th century and allowed for mass-produced maps with vibrant colours.

7. Uncoloured: Uncoloured maps are those that were intentionally left without any applied colour. These maps typically display only the original inked lines and details, without any additional colouring.

The impact of the different colouring approaches on price is complicated, for example very early examples of colour-printing can be highly sought-after. Contact one of our specialists for more information.