[Dani & Bill]

I have several framed "antique" maps that hung in family room of my childhood home. My parents bought them in England. Before I ask my sons to hold on to them as family heirlooms, I'd like to know if they are real and have value or are just sentimental items.

Does anyone have experience with antique maps or know of anyone who does?

Thanks!

[Bogie Shooter]

Here is one I found on the Internet, there are others.
Antique map appraisal | Florida Antiques Appraisers

[LAFwUs]

Originally Posted by Dani & Bill

I have several framed "antique" maps that hung in family room of my childhood home. My parents bought them in England. Before I ask my sons to hold on to them as family heirlooms, I'd like to know if they are real and have value or are just sentimental items.

Does anyone have experience with antique maps or know of anyone who does?

Thanks!

Do these appear to be hand drawn?
printed on a press?
Drawn in mud w/ a stick on animal skin? (j/k)
What's the general size?

Before you open your wallet for an appraisal, should be able to narrow it down to see if its worth further pursuit.

The paper (or parchment if really old) can tell you a lot and is how many maps are dated and in rare cases, where its actually from, (color, thickness, texture, stiffness, fragility).

A printed map, ink will be 100% flat against the paper and consistent, this would generally indicate more modern or a mass produced item or worse...a reproduction sold to tourist. Some of which are artificially aged btw (false age staining, fading, crumples, tears, insect damage, etc).
The ink application and medium type is the true determination.
"Live" ink/paint (hand drawn) will shows overlaps in the ink at joining / crossing lines and be inconsistent in depth, width, pressure, saturation, etc. Same with text.
This may take a jewelers loupe to really inspect inking and even experts have been fooled by well executed contemporary hand done forgeries on old paper stock.

There also maybe details from the author / print house on lower front edges, corners / margins or back side, any of which could be googled to narrow down things.
Map value is v e r y wide as you may already know. Often its about rarity, having rare or obscure traits over its actual age.
As far is if they are "real" maps or not, have you tried to search for any location names listed on the map(s)?
Hope this helps a little, this is certainly interesting, would love to know how it all turns out!

[Dani & Bill]

First...thank you for your service to our country!

I sent a private message in reply. Thanks so much for the very helpful info.

[LAFwUs]

Originally Posted by Dani & Bill

First...thank you for your service to our country!

I sent a private message in reply. Thanks so much for the very helpful info.

Happy to have helped.
No PMs in my inbox however.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by Dani & Bill

I have several framed "antique" maps that hung in family room of my childhood home. My parents bought them in England. Before I ask my sons to hold on to them as family heirlooms, I'd like to know if they are real and have value or are just sentimental items.

Does anyone have experience with antique maps or know of anyone who does?

Thanks!

I'm not sure how to read your post. My parents did not have much of value. My dad spent a small fortune on collectable books. I cataloged what he had and got an offer from Strand books. Mom had no idea. She had a garage sale. She proudly told me a guy came to her garage sale and gave her 300 for all the old books. I had an offer for 3,000 and that was wholesale offer.

Antiques, they are worth what someone will pay for them. Best line I ever heard, they are $$$$$$ in the book. Reply was sell it to the book.

Your kids? Perhaps ask who wants what. When my mom passed there were issues between my sister and I. Fortunately my parents listed everything they had of value and who gets what. These things can get gross. Mom said I get......
We just did our will. My heirs will they know, what we have and value? I put it all in our will. Who will go first? I expect me but surprises happen. My first goal is to take care of my wife. Heirs will need to wait, till we both pass.

Few face REALITY, as my dad said no one gets out alive.