Collecting Maps: Ordnance Survey 1921-1940

Taking a look at the maps in my cupboard.....

Next in the series of maps from the cupboard are these Ordnance survey maps dating from 1921 to 1940.
From the 1920s onwards the popularity of the motor car and outdoor activities such as walking and cycling encouraged the Ordnance survey to embark on introducing more visually appealing and more practical maps for the general public. The fact that Bartholemews were also taking the lions share of map sales at that time may have also helped that along.

Some of the most iconic looking map covers would be produced during this time period. All map series of this period would have its own new woodcut style design.
The OS would also commission their first official artist to create some stunning watercolour paintings which would go on to adorn later series.

Today the watercolour fronted maps tend to command a higher price on the collectors market. The rarest and most interesting map of this period would be a limited edition Eclipse map which charted the position of the solar eclipse over the UK during the 12th of  June 1927. This map was only really valid for one day of course!.

Ordnance Survey Tourist map - 1 inch to 1 mile scale - 1924

First up is this early tourist map of the lake district mounted in sections on cloth. This happens to be  the oldest watercolour fronted map in the collection at present. Considering it is a 1924 reprint it is in remarkably good condition.

This map is 1 of 5500 produced in 1924

Dating OS maps from this time period

It seems a good time to mention the date markings on these old maps and how to interpret them.
The photo above is a prime example of how the OS were actively providing the user with useful revision/production dates on their maps - something which wasn't always as clear or forthcoming in later maps.
At the very bottom of the right hand margin was not only be the original map production date and revision dates but also the amount of maps produced that year.
Using the photo above as an example it is easy to see that the last year of revisions was 1924 with a total of 5500 maps made.
Handy information if you wanted to know how many they made.

Ordnance Survey Road map first edition half inch to 1 mile - 1930

Next up is this half inch to 1 mile scale road map from 1930.
No fancy watercolour cover this time but the ornate woodcut style I mentioned earlier. This style of cover dates back to around 1914 but continued for some years.
The map is mounted on cloth and in very good condition considering it's age.

1 of 3500 produced in 1930

Once again its thanks to the OS cartographers of this time that the date of first production and subsequent revisions are printed. The above photo shows that this map was limited in production to 3500 back in 1930. 

Another added bit of information is the name of the main man in charge of publishing the works. As the ordnance survey was always keen on the accuracy of their maps they would appoint the top brass from the military to head up the mapping teams ensuring strict quality control at all times. 

Ordnance Survey 1/4 inch to 1 mile third edition - 1933/1934

Coming along next are these three examples from the quarter inch to 1 mile scale maps (third series) produced in the early part of the 1930s.
Once again a range of maps produced in the new era of illustrated covers designed to grab a share of the new leisure motorist market.
Although not quite as fanciful as others of that time they still have a certain style about them. These three maps are all mounted on cloth and are in reasonably good condition.

Example of quarter inch third edition

The front cover depicts a motorcyclist parked up by a road sign reading his quarter inch road map -wearing iconic crash helmet and goggles. Very 1930s very stylish.

1 of 2000 maps produced in 1933

And in the footnotes we find plenty of information once again. This time the much distinguished Colonel E.M. Jack taking full responsibility as director general (above photo). Funny how no one is willing to put their name on maps these days!
According to the notes this map is limited to 2000 produced in 1933.
These little extra bits of information really adds to the map in my opinion.

Example of map colours

Although the quality of the above photo is pretty awful it does give a rough idea as to how deep the colours are on these maps from series three. Plenty of burnt oranges and browns with a few splashes of blue and green here and there. In practical terms this map would probably be a nightmare to navigate. It is quite hard to work out what's going on in places but it looks pretty nice all the same. Much better as a wall mounted display piece to be honest.

Ordnance Survey "One Inch" map fifth edition - 1939

This nice looking blue number is the 1 inch map from series five that superseded the immensely popular "Popular" series from the 1920s (which is incidentally, featured later).
Once again another woodcut style cover illustration depicting a rambler or outdoorsman.
In terms of condition this map is in good shape. Again partly down to the fact that it is mounted on cloth and not just paper alone.

Ordnance Survey 1 inch to 1 mile Popular Edition  (fourth edition) - 1929/1930

Lastly is the 1 inch to 1 mile 'Popular series' which started to appeared in the 1920s. Featuring a 'woodcut' style illustration of a bloke with a map sat on a hill side. There were many versions of the popular series over time with various changes to the front cover.

Although not as valuable as some of the watercolour series these maps are still worth collecting. They can be bought relatively cheaply at the moment with good quality examples being sold for as little £5. As with all of these early maps they were made in relatively small numbers so as time goes by the value may increase. The map in the photo above was 1 of 5000 produced in 1929.

The above photo shows the revision dates and the numbers produced in that revision. It also shows the name of the director general of the OS at the time - in this case Colonel Charles Close who was reknown for combining the original ideas of the OS with new ideas at the time. Many of the maps published under his watch are perhaps some of the most valuable today on the collectors market.

The above photo is an example of the uncluttered appearance of the popular series maps.
The area covered is Portsmouth on the south coast of England.

Deluxe High Power Green Laser

Flashlight Fiesta

Deluxe High Power green Laser

Mini gun?

Manufacturer: ? Unknown
Model: ? Unknown
Price: £12.00 with free shipping
Power: 50mW +
Run By: 1 x 18650 Lithium battery
Country of origin: China
Shipped from: Drop shipped into UK

This is the business end

After a long hiatus in flashlight reviews I decided to buy this monster after seeing it crop up here and there on ebay. I wasn't actually planning on buying any more lasers after the last lot of 303's I took possesion of but somehow this thing caught my eye. I guess it stood out due to it's looks and size. - It does look pretty mean!

Although the £12 price tag doesn't sound too expensive it is on average twice as expensive as the popular SD 303 lasers commonly found all over Ebay.
Would this difference in price equate to a more powerful laser? it remained to be seen.

The laser took a few weeks to arrive (despite the listing stating the item was in UK stock) and came wrapped up in a bubble-packet.  No safety warning leaflet, no instruction manual just the laser.

Solid aluminium battery compartment

The body of the laser is one big lump of aluminium - a very attractive lump of aluminium too.
With the look of a mini gun or a star wars light sabre this laser is guaranteed to turn a few heads.
In terms of style it would be hard to imagine a better looking design for a pocket laser. It is exactly what I consider as futuristic and interesting. Top marks for design.

Quality of materials is perhaps one area where this product falls down. Although the aluminium is thick and chunky (especially the end cap) it seems a little low grade. Too soft, too prone to dents and dings. Not quite as robust as it might seem.
Those familiar with the regular 303 laser will recognise the same kind of  18650 battery compartment, the same kind of twist focus head and the same laser aperture.

Don't be fooled by what is printed on these stickers

Operating this laser is a simple as inserting an 18650 battery and switching it on.  Like other lasers of this type it has the ability to not only fire a thin green laser beam but also to shine millions of little stars from the end via a plastic screw on star cap. As fancy as all these little stars are they are not the main event of course. The real function of this device is to fire a high power beam over a very long distance and also to burn things at close range.

The safety of the user and others has to be a priority when using this laser due to its largely unknown power output. Just because the warning sticker says it outputs 5mw means absolutely nothing when it comes to these unregulated Chinese items.
Experience tells you that these lasers are at least 50mW due to the distance the beam will travel and the fact that they can burn certain things including flesh! Sticker power claims should be treated with caution and extra care should be taken when using the laser at all times.

Comparison with the Laser 303 
When it comes to slightly dodgy laser pens none could be more recognisable than the ever popular laser 303 which has been infesting ebay for the past few years. As both of these devices use similar laser hardware and have similar power requirements it would be fitting to test them both side by side.

Remember the original laser 303 from the very first flashlight post?  to see the review again click HERE

When testing these lasers back to back it was hard to tell them apart in terms of power. The same kind of crazy distances were seen when shining them across an open field.
The same kind of burning sensation was experienced on the skin too! (not really recommended)
The only real difference between the two apart from looks was the power switch. The larger silver laser has a permanent 'On' button and not a push 'On' button meaning it is not neccesary to keep you finger on the button to operate it. handy.


 So overall this deluxe laser is a really great product provided it is operated safely. It looks fantastic but whether it is worth the extra money over the standard type is debatable.

  

Collecting Maps: Ordnance Survey 1896-1920

Taking a look at the maps in my cupboard.....

Collecting Maps : Ordnance Survey - An introduction

The next in my 'cupboard under the stairs collection' is my large hoard of  OS maps.
Ordnance survey maps are generally the easiest to come by on the open market and also the easiest to document.
Arguably the most accurate and well known maps around....

What is the Ordnance Survey?

Ordnance survey is the national mapping agency of Britian. It  produces highly detailed large and small scale maps of the UK.
Ordnance Survey Ltd is a government owned company and is the world's largest producer of maps.

The words 'Ordance Survey' perfectly describe the agencies original task of military strategic surveying.
Following the Jacobite uprising in Scotland in 1745 and then a potential revolution spreading from France at the end of the 1700s the British government felt it was necessary to instruct the board of ordance to completely map the south coast of England which would be a weak point should the French invade.
Until this time maps were very vague and moving troops and military planning was extremely difficult.
The need for accurate maps to indicate land features for placing troops, for hiding behind and for aiming at was crucial.

Ordnance survey cartographers developed a way of splitting the country into large geographic triangles which could then be broken down into smaller triangles and intersection points taken. Triangulation was the key feature in the early pioneering days of the OS.
The very first Ordance survey map was published in 1801 and took three years to complete. This first edition covered the county of Kent, the nearest county to the English channel and France.

Today Ordnance survey maps are considered the best and most accurate in the world.
Over 200 years of continuous careful fine tuning have made these British maps extremely accurate, elegant to look at and collectable in antiquity.
These are not just maps, they are works of art.

Ordnance Survey 1896 - 1920

Underneath a layer of dust and nostalgia lies my oldest ordnance survey maps. Lacking in colour and reeking of military blandness these ancient maps were definately better suited to the soldier than the cyclist.

Dating somewhere just before 1900 is this sparsely labelled map of east derbyshire and more specifically Charlesworth, Edale and surrounding area.
In the early days of the OS map such luxuries as a symbol legend, scales ruler and even a border were not considered important when producing a map (or not at least on this series). These early maps were not as readily available as one might think. Certainly not in every book shop. Ordnance survey relied on agents to distribute their maps in the olden days so grabbing a map might have involved placing an order beforehand.



1896 - 1902  Wensleydale, Aysgarth, Wensley, Middleham and Masham
1 inch to 1 mile scale  - Mounted on cloth

dating between 1896-1902 this rather bland looking document represents the first of a small batch of really old OS maps which reside in my cupboard.
This map, covering the Wensleydale district of Yorkshire seems to have been part of numbered series although the exact series is unknown. Handy for me that I have a similar part work of Wensleydale (up next) which fits together perfectly along side this one to form part of a larger map. Interesting.

The map is made from paper sections mounted on cloth and then fixed to a card cover. Despite it's age this map has shown no signs of fading, peeling or cloth fraying which is mainly due to the quality of the workmanship. Being handmade adds a certain feeling of quality about it. Due to the very nature of map production at that time it's highly likely that this map and it's wider set were made in very small quantites and so they become rare on the market today.
This map is printed on the popular 1 inch to 1 mile scale.

1896 - 1902: Wensleydale, Leyburn and Richmond (Yorkshire)
1 inch to 1 mile - Mounted on cloth

Here is the second ancient map from the Wensleydale set. Once again handmade to a very high standard. Once again made from paper sections, cloth backing and given semi rigid covers.

Dating this map is virtually impossible due to the lack of margins or indication on the covers. The best guess has to be between 1896-1902 although this is conservative. Both of these little Wensleydale maps could have been made from 1870. 

Once again the craftsmanship here is fantastic. 

The estimated value of these maps is around £15 each if you can find them.

1898 - 1902: Charlesworth, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Castleton and Tideswell  (Derbyshire)
1 inch to 1 mile - Mounted on cloth

In a similar style to the previous two maps we have this fine document of Chapel-en-le-Frith in Derbyshire. Produced at the turn of the century this 1 inch to 1 mile scale map looks remarkably good for 118 years old.
Once again this map was handmade with paper map sections mounted on cloth but this time no outer covers.

This map shares many similarities with the previous two maps but differs in the way it was mounted on it's cloth backing.

Those who are paying attention would have noticed the distinct lack of a margin on the very earliest maps in my cupboard.  The reason for this is still a mystery although one theory is that the Ordnance survey agent (bookseller) might have cut down a much larger map themselves and then mounted these smaller sections on card and cloth? It is certainly a possibility.



1912 Large scale 3rd series:  Ashford and Tenterden  (Kent)
1 inch to 1 mile - Mounted on cloth

Lastly we have this old map of Ashford in Kent. A fine example of an early dated third edition of the popular series scaled 1 inch to 1 mile.
This map like the previous three in this post has all the charm and attractiveness of a prison menu. A little bland and unappetising. Still along way away from the pretty watercolour printed covers of the later popular editions.

The authorised OS map agent Blinko & Sons

This map is a fine example of a dealer copy which still displays the name of the agent who would have ordered and sold these maps for Ordnance survey. Blinko & sons as a business has probably long since faded in the mists of time. 

Last revision - 1912

The overall condition of this map is very good considering it is over a century old. The covers are in good shape despite a few minor stains here and there. The map sheet itself is in remarkable condition probably owing to the fact that it is mounted on cloth.  This map doesn't appear to have been used very much either. The margins are clean and smudge free, the folds are still crisp and no part of the cloth backing has bubbled due to moisture.

Early OS maps were not reknown for their colourful looks but with this edition a change of sorts can be seen.
The current value of this map is hard to gage. But as they don't tend to show up very often it's safe to say that the true value is probably around £12-£15.

That concludes my current stock of very old OS maps. I do have many more younger maps which I plan on covering very soon.

Polish Military Wz89 Puma Rucksack

Polish Army Wz89 'Puma' Camouflage Rucksack 25/50 ltr

Date of Manufacture: ? between 1989-1993
Materials: heavy Cotton mix / PVC base / Nylon straps / Steel fixings 
Capacity: 25 litre expandable to 50 litre approx
Availability: quite common
Price: Varies  - lowest price £8.00
     
Whilst was on the look out for a new backpack recently I came across this interesting specimen from Poland. And although I had my mind set on a small British army bergen the look, practicality and sheer difference in price made this Wz89 Puma bag more eye catching to me.
These rucksacks are not in any way new or modern by todays standards. Instead they are very basic designed military bags that have been kept in long term storage for the past 25-30 years and now finally seeing the light of day again - Nothing wrong with that so to speak.
So I decided to do a bit of research and found nothing but favourable reports about them.
I wanted to buy one and see what all the fuss was about...

                  

The smaller 25l size

The Backpack that changes shape
The one top feature and selling point for me is the fact that this rucksack can expand in size depending on what you have to stuff in it.
The smallest capacity of this bag is roughly 25 litre but if that is not big enough then the bag can be extended to roughly 50 litre capacity in a matter of seconds.
What a clever idea! Has this been done before on another rucksack? if so why have I never seen one before? 

Extended to the full 50l size

Never mind military applications, imagine how useful this could be on a normal civilian daily basis?
The ability to adjust the bag to carry a little or a lot of something depending on the situation.

When this rucksack is fully extended it does appear to hold quite a lot of stuff!
 

Double drawstring technology

The Wz89 puma bag works by having two drawstrings situated in the middle and at the top of the bag. When the rucksack is fully extended the upper drawstring is used to tie off the bag, when the bag is in small mode the lower drawstring is used to tie up and the remaining material which is not being used is stored around the inside edge of the rucksack.  Once the drawstrings have been tied then the large storm flap is pulled over the top of the bag and fixed with either 2 or 4 buckles on the front depending on the bag size at the time. A neat and simple idea it has to be said. (and it works!)

Reinforced PVC base

There is no need to worry about putting this bag down in a puddle! there will be no soggy bottoms or soaked contents here! Thanks in no small part to a special PVC reinforced base on the bag. The material used here is best described as the plasticky stuff they made school bags from in the 1980s? A bit utilitarian, a bit industrial, a bit dull and brown but it works.  

Although this PVC coated base cannot be proved to be 100% waterproof  (after all it is almost 30 years old!) it can be considered better than nothing at least. 

Tough steel fixings and nylon stitching

The two Nylon shoulder straps on this rucksack are fastenened on with stitching at the top and via a metal clip fixture at the bottom. It seems highly unlikely that any of the straps could tear off during use due to the high quality of the double stitching employed here. The metal clip and buckles on this bag are also of a high quality steel. Despite their age, none of the metal fittings are rusty or discoloured which is a little surprising.  

Polish Wz89 Camouflage

The Wz89 Żaba or "frog"camouflage design was the last pattern to be used by the Polish 2nd republic during the cold war.
This distinctive design also goes by the name of 'Puma' due to it's striking resemblance to the coat of the big cat as is generally known as such today. This pattern features a dark green reptilian scale print on a lighter green background. It could easily be described as Lizard skin as much as Puma.
The Wz89 pattern was pushed into service with the army, air force and marines in about 1989 and continued in service till 1993, a few years after the fall of communism.
The practical effectiveness of this style of camo remains to be seen. There can't be many situations where these types of colours can make a difference. That said, the Wz89 pattern is distinctive, unusual and surprisingly attractive making it much better as a fashion item - especially these days with the resurgence of camo clothing.


In terms of looks and practically the Polish 'Puma' is probably one of the best rucksacks on the surplus market these days. Another point in it's favour has to be the fantastic price. Buying a backpack for under a tenner is generally a recipe for disaster in my experience what with split seams, torn nylon panels and busted zippers to contend with. This bag is simple, no nonsense and well made so no more of that cheap bag aggrevation.
The Wz89 rucksack could be the perfect multi-size carrying apparatus for any number of situations and applications. Highly recommended.

Collecting Maps: Geographia Ltd of London

Taking a look at the maps in my cupboard.....




Collecting Maps: Geographia Ltd  

Geographia Ltd of Fleet Street, London was originally the brain child of Alexander Gross, a Hungarian who had relocated to Britain in the early part of the twentieth century. 
Geographia would become a prolific producer of maps and atlases covering every major town and city in the UK.  The company was active and producing maps between 1911 and 1987/8 before being swallowed up by Collins-Bartholemew. 
Geographia had a New York office which continued independently to produce maps of the continental USA.

Of all the major mapping companies in Britain during the last century, Geographia could be considered the third biggest behind  the likes of Ordnance survey and Bartholemews. 
Geographia published some of the most popular and best looking road and cyclist maps of the period and were also specialists in producing atlases and tourist maps of London.

Map scales were generally either 2 inch to the mile or 3 inch to the mile with maps being both coloured and contoured. 

Presently my collection only has three Geographia maps in it but all are from different series and periods in time (I think?)



Geographia 2 miles to 1 inch road map of England & Wales
#16 Devonshire and East Cornwall

First up is this fine example of a number 16 - Devon and East Cornwall. from whats looks to be the more popular 30 inch x 40 inch road map series  - cloth backed
I say 'from what looks to be' because Geographia maps are notoriously hard to find any information about. And despite trying to unearth some knowledge from sellers and map officionardos it appears that even the basic facts are hard to pin down.

Geographia maps are generally dated by means of a alpha-numeric cypher printed somewhere on the map and not always in the same place.
Specifically the word C U M B E R L A N D when placed directly above the numbers 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 will equate to a MM/YY date stamp. All three of my Geographia maps lack this date code which is unfortunate however another way to date the maps (although not as accurate) is to go off the address printed on the cover and where Geographia was resisdent at the time.

This particular map dates from before 1942 according to the address dating scheme. so pretty old.
Despite a few marks and blemishes to the cover the actual map is in very good condition. Colours are vibrant and the paper/cloth materials has survived very well over the years. Likely to be worth around £10.

Geographia 2 miles to 1 inch road map of 40 miles about Bristol

Next up is this '40 miles about Bristol' map. Covering quite a large area around the city of Bristol (obviously) Although primarily a road map it does include many features you might expect with a leisure or tourist map. Once again it is very nicely made with clear annotations and not a lot of clutter.
According to the address dating scheme this map was manufactured before 1942 but a specific year is not that easy to confirm.
To a collector this map is quite rare and is likely to be worth in the region of £10 - £12

   
Geographia 3 miles to 1 inch large scale road map of Lincolnshire

Last up is this dark blue map of Lincolnshire. Hardly a large scale map by todays standards being 3 miles to 1 inch but a good road map none-the-less.
This map dates to somewhere before 1923 according to the company address dating scheme which makes this one the oldest of the bunch. Despite its tatty looking exterior the map itself is in very good condition. Another rare map and another potential item of value when the time is right.

Geographia maps compared to others of the time period are very well colour coded and more importantly very accurate. And although geographia maps were not as popular than ordnance survey and Bartholemews they are now harder to find and possibly worth more money to the collector.