Catalog Archive
Auction 175, Lot 172

"[Lot of 66 - Automobile Club of Southern California Road Maps]", Automobile Club of Southern California

Subject: California

Period: 1913-16 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
8.7 x 2.9 inches
22.1 x 7.4 cm
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This large collection of approximately 65 very early single-card road maps was produced by the Automobile Club of Southern California. The individually numbered single-card maps are precursors of the AAA “Trip Tik” travel maps. All appear to be from 1913-1916 and involve routes within California. Since the club began their surveying around 1910, these are among the earliest of their publications. Laid in is a long sheet of “Official Hotels and Garages" "…which have contracted with the Automobile Club of Southern California to give the members prompt, courteous and efficient services at reasonable prices.” Only 21 hotels are listed, but this appears to be the beginning of the Club’s and AAA’s long-term relationship with hotels. The cards fit nicely into a branded expandable folder with ribbon ties. A remarkable early archive of California road maps.

References:

Condition: B+

The cards are mostly very good to near fine. A few of the cards are stained and a couple others have some minor pencil notations. Paper holding case is fully intact with light soiling.

Estimate: $400 - $600

Sold for: $375

Closed on 11/13/2019

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