Antique maps are gorgeous and historically interesting pieces of art to have in your home. However, when looking for antique maps to add to your home, you may wonder if you are buying one that is authentic. Understanding what to look for in antique maps will help you decide if the purchase is right for you. Below are some factors to consider.

Paper Type

Old paper tends to show its age in a number of ways. This can include yellowing or browning, especially around the edges. It may also include stains, rips or torn edges, and wrinkling. One way to instantly tell if something is a reproduction is if you can see folds in the map but they don't seem to have dimension or wear. This is often a sign that the map has been photographically reproduced.

However, some reproductions do attempt to recreate aging, so when in doubt it is best to consult with an antique dealer.

Annotations

Check carefully for any modern annotations, such as copyright or trademark symbol, year written in the margins, or evidence that it has been reproduced. This may be on the front-facing side of the map but may also be somewhere on the back, so be careful to fully examine the map.

Coloring

Original antique maps would have been hand-colored, whereas a majority of reproductions will use a process of printing the colors to look as if they have been done by hand. Use a magnifying glass to see if the colors are a smooth line, or look microscopically dotted, which is the sign of printed rather than hand-colored work. 

Gold Foil

Because of the price and rarity of gold, early maps would not have contained any of it. However, during the twentieth century, it became a trend to reproduce maps against a gold foil background. This means that while looking unique, any maps with gold foil won't be original antique maps.

Antique maps can make amazing focal art pieces in any room. To understand the antiques you are looking at and ensure authenticity, turn to the helpful team at Queen Street Gallery in Martinsburg, WV. With a wide array of art pieces and original decor, they have something for everyone. For questions, call (304) 263-9495. You can also visit them online to learn more.