Fake News You Won't Want to Miss

Fake maps - and in particular reproductions - can be found in the most curious of places. If you've ever wondered how to determine if an antique map is real or fake, this article will walk you through four key clues that will help you identify reproductions and confirm a map's authenticity.

The Mapmakers Who Made the 20th Century

This is the final article in a series about mapmakers who played key roles in each century, and focuses on mapmakers in the 20th century, including Rand McNally Company, MacDonald Gill, and Jo Mora.

Newsletter - July 2020 (#57)

Read our July 2020 newsletter featuring an article about "The Mapmakers Who Made the 19th Century," which gives an overview of some of the most important cartographers of the 1800s and their most iconic maps, including Arrowsmith, Tallis, Mitchell, and the United States Government.

Newsletter - June 2020 (#56)

Read our June 2020 newsletter featuring an article about "The Mapmakers Who Made the 18th Century," which gives an overview of some of the most important cartographers of the 1700s and their most iconic maps, including Delisle, Moll, Homann, and Jefferys. Also in this newsletter is a list of free online resources that offer cartographic content to help you expand your worldview while staying safely at home.

Newsletter - May 2020 (#55)

This newsletter features an article about "The Mapmakers Who Made the 17th Century," which gives an overview of some of the most important cartographers of the 1600s, including the Hondius family, the Blaeu family, John Speed, and Nicolas Sanson. Also in this newsletter is a list of free online resources that offer cartographic content to help you expand your worldview while staying safely at home.

Newsletter - March 2020 (#54)

Read our March 2020 newsletter featuring an article about "The Mapmakers Who Made the 16th Century," which gives an overview of some of the most important cartographers of the 1500s and their most iconic maps. Also in this newsletter is a list of free online resources that offer cartographic content to help you expand your worldview while staying safely at home.

Newsletter - January 2020 (#53)

This newsletter features a photo essay about Jon & Eliane Dotson with behind-the-scenes photos at Old World Auctions, as well as an article about "Bringing Cartography Back into Schools." Plus, as always, see the upcoming map-related events in cities around the world!

Newsletter - December 2019 (#52)

This newsletter features an article about the trends in the auction market for maps in 2019. We share great insights about what's selling and what's not. A must read for all collectors and dealers!

Newsletter - October 2019 (#51)

This newsletter features an article about the mapping of South America. Learn about the cartographic curiosities and myths to be found within maps of South America.

Newsletter - August 2019 (#50)

This newsletter features an article about the mapping of Africa. Learn about the cartographic curiosities and myths to be found within maps of Africa.

Newsletter - July 2019 (#49)

This newsletter features an article about the mapping of Europe. Learn about the cartographic curiosities and artistic masterpieces to be found within maps of Europe.

Newsletter - June 2019 (#48)

This newsletter features an article about the mapping of Asia. Learn about the key elements to look for when looking at maps of Asia and how these changed over time.

Newsletter - May 2019 (#47)

This newsletter features an article about the mapping of North America. Learn about the key elements to look for when looking at maps of North America and how these changed over time.

Newsletter - April 2019 (#46)

This newsletter features an article about the mapping of North America. Learn about the key elements to look for when looking at maps of North America and how these changed over time.

Newsletter - March 2019 (#45)

This newsletter features an article about the mapping of the world. Learn about the key elements to look for when looking at a world map and how these changed over time. Also get a link to our free, updated carto-bibliography on the State of Franklin!

Newsletter - January 2019 (#44)

This newsletter features an article about the basics of antique maps and map collecting, including key map terms, how maps were made, factors that affect value, and how to identify fakes. This is the perfect article for anyone interested in learning more about antique maps!

Newsletter - December 2018 (#43)

This newsletter features an article reviewing the map market in 2018, with details on which maps are becoming more popular, where map prices are headed, and more. And as always, see our list of upcoming map-related events around the world!

Newsletter - October 2018 (#42)

This newsletter features an article about the Robert de Vaugondy family, who published numerous maps, atlases, and globes during the 18th century, known as the golden age of French cartography. And as always, see our list of upcoming map-related events around the world!

Newsletter - September 2018 (#41)

In honor of back-to-school time, this month's newsletter features an article on the work of some amazing kid cartographers. See what kids, ages 8-12, know about maps and the incredible, imaginative maps they've created!

Newsletter - August 2018 (#40)

This month's newsletter features an article on nine proposed and provisional states that were never officially admitted to the Union, such as Sequoyah, as shown in this image. Also included in this newsletter is a new segment, Collector's Corner, in which we feature a collector's journey into antique maps.

Newsletter - July 2018 (#39)

This month's newsletter features an article on nine proposed and provisional states that were never officially admitted to the Union, such as Franklinia, as shown in this image. Also included in this newsletter is a new segment, Collector's Corner, in which we feature a collector's journey into antique maps.

Newsletter - June 2018 (#38)

This month's newsletter features an article on the Hidden Treasures that we have found in books, atlases, and folding maps over the years. Some of the items we've found may surprise you! Also included in this newsletter is a new segment, Collector's Corner, in which we feature a collector's journey into antique maps.

Newsletter - April 2018 (#37)

This month's newsletter features an article on pictorial maps: "Putting the 'Art' Back in Cartography: The Splashy World of 20th-Century American Pictorial Maps." The article includes a number of eye-catching maps, including the image above, which is from Alva Scott Garfield’s "A Scott-Map of Boston Massachusetts" (circa 1955).

Newsletter - March 2018 (#36)

This month's newsletter gives an overview of our brand new website, which just launched this month. Find out what's new on the site, what hasn't changed, and what to expect next. Don't forget to check out our new YouTube video that demonstrates how to navigate our new site - https://youtu.be/UrrEX5AJutw

Newsletter - January 2018 (#35)

This month's newsletter features two articles. The first outlines how to use maps in genealogical research, focusing on using government-issued maps. The second article gives an updated carto-bibliography of the ephemeral State of Franklin, which almost became the 14th state within the United States. Also, don't forget to mark your calendar for our next auction, which will offer over 700 lots of find maps, charts, atlases, and books. The auction will go online on January 24 and will close on February 7.

Newsletter - December 2017 (#34)

This month's newsletter features two articles. The first gives an overview of the auction market for antique maps in 2017, with some interesting insights about the big winners and losers. The second article discusses Braun & Hogenberg and their incredible town book, "Civitates Orbis Terrarum." Also, don't forget to mark your calendar for our next auction, which will offer over 800 lots of find maps, charts, atlases, and books. The auction will go online on January 24 and will close on February 7.

Newsletter - October 2017 (#33)

This month's newsletter features an article about how to use maps in genealogical research. The article reviews what types of maps can be used and where to find them. If you are looking to understand more about where your ancestors lived, how and why they moved from one city to another, or where to find public records about your ancestors, maps can provide answers, and this article will get you started on your search. Also, don't forget to mark your calendar for our next auction, which will offer over 800 lots of find maps, charts, atlases, and books. The auction will go online on November 1 and will close on November 15. Waterman, Watkins & Co., Historical Atlas of Augusta County, Virginia, 1885.

Newsletter - August 2017 (#32)

This month's newsletter features a list of our favorite and most useful reference books from our library. Whether you are a novice collector or an experienced cartophile, reference books are a critical resource if you want to understand your maps. Our list includes our top ten reference books, as well as a list of our most used FREE online resources! Also, don't forget to mark your calendar for our next auction, which will offer over 800 lots of find maps, charts, atlases, and books. The auction will go online on August 30 and will close on September 13.

Newsletter - July 2017 (#31)

This month's newsletter features an article on the brief history of gerrymandering - find out how it started and how it has evolved over time. The image above is "The Original Gerrymander," which was published in the Boston Gazette. (Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.) Also, don't forget to mark your calendar for our next auction, which will offer over 800 lots of find maps, charts, atlases, and books. The auction will go online on August 30 and will close on September 13.

Newsletter - May 2017 (#30)

This month's newsletter features an article on the David J. Morgan collection, a portion of which will be featured in a special one-week auction from June 7-14 with Old World Auctions. The collection for sale is entitled "Evolution of a Nation" and focuses on the progression of the United States through maps. Over 400 maps, atlases and books will be offered in this auction, including many rare and important pieces. The item pictured above is the 1817 issue of Lewis & Clark's landmark map of the West, which will be included in the auction.

Newsletter - March 2017 (#29)

This month's newsletter features an article on the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, which published a series of maps between 1829-44. Pictured above is an SDUK city plan of Munich, Germany. Mark your calendar - our next auction goes online April 12, 2017 with over 800 maps, atlases and books to fulfill all your cartographic desires!

Newsletter - January 2017 (#28)

This month's newsletter features an article on the "Mysterious Island of Korea." Mark your calendar - our next auction goes online January 25, 2017 with over 800 maps, atlases and books to fulfill all your cartographic desires!

Newsletter - December 2016 (#27)

This month's newsletter includes a review of prices and trends at Old World Auctions in 2016, as well as a free gift: a carto-bibliography of the map above, Bellin's small map of the Mid-Atlantic US. Mark your calendar - our next auction goes online January 25, 2017 with over 800 maps, atlases and books to fulfill all your cartographic desires!

Newsletter - October 2016 (#26)

This month's newsletter includes an article on "The Early United States Land System" along with a slew of upcoming events in the map community. The picture above is a United States Land Office from the 19th century. (Image courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management.) Mark your calendar - our next auction goes online November 2 with over 800 maps, atlases and books to fulfill all your cartographic desires!

Newsletter - August 2016 (#25)

It's back-to-school month, so we thought we'd find out what kids think about maps. We interviewed 10 local elementary and middle-school aged kids, and they came up with both astute and funny answers. We've also updated our carto-bibliography on the State of Franklin - an excellent resource for collectors and scholars. The image above is Abraham Ortelius' "Islandia," published in 1592. Mark your calendar - our next auction goes online August 31 with over 800 maps, atlases and books to fulfill all your cartographic desires!

Newsletter - July 2016 (#24)

This month features an article about the mythical "Island of California." Pictured above is Alain Manesson Mallet's "Nouveau Mexique et Californie," published in 1683. We also highlight a number of important map-related events occurring in Europe and the US in October and November. Mark your calendar - our next auction goes online August 31 with over 800 maps, atlases and books to fulfill all your cartographic desires!

Newsletter - May 2016 (#23)

This month features an article about 3 "old school" dealers: Luke Vavra of Cartographic Arts, Jonathan Potter of Jonathan Potter Ltd., and Steve Luck of Tooley Adams & Co. Find out how the map business has changed over the last 40 years and what their thoughts are on the future. Mark your calendar - our next auction goes online June 15, and will be a special ONE-WEEK sale featuring material from three leading dealers with over 100 collective years in the map business.

Newsletter - April 2016 (#22)

Walking into the large, industrial building in the suburbs of Chicago, I wasn't sure what to expect. What I discovered inside was more breathtaking than I could have imagined. To my right was a glass-walled room filled with globes of all sizes and ages, displayed from floor to ceiling. [...] This was a map lover's dream - a cartographic paradise... Mark your calendar - our next auction goes online April 20! See the "Upcoming Events" section of the newsletter above for a sneak peak at a few of the maps in our upcoming auction.

Newsletter - March 2016 (#21)

Old World Auctions' March Newsletter features an article on "Truth and Lies: Tips to Identify Reproductions and Forgeries." The image above depicts halftone printing, a modern printing process that appears as tiny dots of ink under magnification - a clear give-away in identifying a forgery. Click on the image to read the newsletter. And mark your calendar - our next auction goes online April 20! See the "Upcoming Events" section of the newsletter above for a sneak peak at a few of the maps in our upcoming auction.

Newsletter - January 2016 (#20)

Old World Auctions' January Newsletter features an article on "Persuasive Maps," which are intended to convey a message to the viewer, to sway him to a certain point-of-view. Click on the image to read the newsletter. And mark your calendar - our February auction goes online February 3! See the "Upcoming Events" section of the newsletter above for a sneak peak at a few of the maps in our upcoming auction.

Newsletter - December 2015 (#19)

Old World Auctions' December Newsletter features an article on "A Year in Review," which summarizes the auction results from 2015 compared with the previous years. In addition Old World Auctions offers its customers a free gift! Click on the image to read the newsletter.

Newsletter - October 2015 (#18)

Old World Auctions' October Newsletter features an article on "A Brief History of Surveying Tools in North America." This image shows a Gunter's chain and a surveyor's compass, two important tools in surveying in the development of borders in the United States. Image Courtesy of the New Hampshire Historical Society.

Newsletter - August 2015 (#17)

Old World Auctions' August Newsletter features an article on "A Brief History of Dissected Maps, the First Jigsaw Puzzles." This image shows McLoughlin Brothers' "A New Dissected Map of the United States," which was housed in an elegant box with a label printed using multi-stone chromolithograpy. This puzzle map was published circa 1887.

Newsletter - July 2015 (#16)

Old World Auctions' July Newsletter features an article on "American Atlas Publishers in the 19th Century."

Newsletter - June 2015 (#15)

Old World Auctions' June Newsletter features an articles on "The State of Franklin" and a call for consignments. The image above is F. L. Gussefeld's second map (1800) depicting "Franklin," which is oddly shown too far north tucked between Kentucky and Virginia. In his previous map from 1797, Franklin is correctly depicted in eastern Tennessee.

Newsletter - April 2015 (#14)

Old World Auctions' April Newsletter features articles on "The Man Who Knew Too Much: Athanasius Kircher" and "How to Properly Package Antique Maps and Books."

Newsletter - March 2015 (#13)

Old World Auctions' March Newsletter features articles on the Sea of Verrazano and the History of Papermaking for Map Collectors.

Newsletter - January 2015 (#12)

Old World Auctions January Newsletter features two previously untold stories of map collectors: one of Captain Kit S. Kapp and the other of a collector with a worldly perspective. Also included is an article on 2014 trends in the antique map auction market, and a list of upcoming events in the map community.

Newsletter - December 2014 (#11)

Newsletter - October 2014 (#10)

Newsletter - August 2014 (#9)

Newsletter - July 2014 (#8)

Newsletter - June 2014 (#7)

Newsletter - April 2014 (#6)

Newsletter - March 2014 (#5)

Newsletter - January 2014 (#4)

Newsletter - December 2013 (#3)

Newsletter - October 2013 (#2)

Newsletter - August 2013 (#1)