"[Lot of 158 - California road maps]", Automobile Club of Southern California

This large collection of early California road maps consists of 122 single-card maps produced by the Automobile Club of Southern California plus 36 early folding road maps. The single-card maps are approximately 3.8 x 10.5" and are the precursors of the AAA "Trip Tik" travel maps. Most appear to be from 1917-1920 and are regional maps, with some routes into Nevada and Arizona. On the verso many list "Official" hotels and garages along the route. They are individually numbered, some in sets and one duplicate. It is unclear how many different map cards were produced and the numbering scheme employed. The maps here include the numbers: 1-9, 13-38, 42, 43, 48-52, 55-70, 77-79, 81-91, 93-100, 107-117, 119-121, 123-128, 130-135, 200-204, 215-218, 220 and 221. There is one duplicate of #62; Los Angeles, Cal. to Phoenix, Ariz. There are two maps numbered 28, but they are different maps. Many of the cards have quaint advise to the new motorist: Help Prevent Fires, Keep to Right, Do Not Exceed Speed Limit, etc. The folding road maps are mostly of cities, counties or areas of California, dating form 1917 to 1940, with many from the earlier period. Some examples are Pasadena, and a most interesting map titled "Map Showing the 15 and 20 Mile Speed Limit Zones in the City of Los Angeles." Also a fine pocket map "Road Map Big Bear Lake. Vacation Land for Every One." Most of the road maps were also produced by the Automobile Club of California and a few feature colorful period covers. A truly unique collection of early California road maps.

References:

Condition: A

Most of the single-card maps are very good to fine condition, a couple have tears. The folding road maps are also in very good, used condition with an occasional tear.