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.

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.

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.

Collecting Maps: Bartholomew's

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

Bartholemew (UK)

John Bartholomew & Son, Edinburgh, Scotland

When it comes to mapping in the United Kingdom the only real rival to the Ordnance survey was Bartholomew'

Bartholomews began printing maps of Scotland in half inch scale in 1875 followed by maps of England and Wales in 1897. A later series combining the whole of Britain was completed by 1936.

Bartholemew was at the height of popularity in the early part of the twentieth century when his cycling and touring maps were flying off the shelves.  The half inch scale was very popular with both the general public and the military.

Always considered the poor relation to Ordnance survey, Bartholemew would continue to make maps into the new millenium but would never be as popular again.
Late in the 1980s bartholemew would be absorbed into the giant publisher Harper-Collins and is these days known as Collins-Bartholemew.
The maps that Bartholemew made were different to those of the Ornance survey. Some of the differences were good, some were bad.  Anyone comparing maps of the same place and of the same era would immediately notice a difference in terrain colour, amount of legend information in the borders and a colour differential between railway lines and roads.  The latter being a real downside on Bartholemews part.

Where Batholemew really stood out was the fantastic use of colour. Shades of greens,  blues and browns that offered a wonderfully vivid look at the landscape. Certainly less dull than the OS equivelent of that tme.

Bartholemews maps are not considered that valuable on the collectors market at the moment. Currently a decent quality linen backed map can be bought for as little as three pounds each. Maps were available on standard and cloth backed paper with the cloth version appearing to fair better with wear and tear over time. Paper versions then are best avoided unless in mint condition. Despite their age, the coloured inks used in manufacture dont seem to fade over time which can only be a plus point.

                                                       1927 - Solway, Scotland

The oldest Barts map in my collection currently is this 1927 Solway motorist and cyclists map which is in half inch to a mile scale of course. It is cloth mounted rather than paper which is why it has survived as long as it has - The map within is in great condition regardless of how tatty the front looks - never judge a map by its cover I say!

Currently worth between 7 and 10 pounds depending who you speak to.

                                          1930s Revised half inch & contoured maps

By the 1930s the maps seem to have undergone a face lift of sorts with the addition of an all blue front and rear cover, different type face and a royal patronage from King George V amongst others.
The price of this map was 3 shillings for cloth backed and 2 shillings for paper which was a slight increase from the earlier series.
The design is certainly of the period and arguably more appealing than earlier versions.
The three 1930s 'blue series' in the photo above cover central Wales, Teesdale in Yorkshire and the Grampian region of Scotland respectively. All are cloth backed maps in good to very good condition. Likely to be worth up to seven pounds each on average.  As these maps become more rare the value should appreciate.

                                                   1940s Revised half inch & contoured

These 1940s 'blue series' were virtually identical in appearance to the preceeding one
with only a change of wording, change of crest colour and a further price increase from 3 shillings to 4 shillings for cloth backed and from 2 shillings to 3 shillings for paper were the only real changes. Of course any road or rail updates were added.
In the collection are currently the Peak district, Herfordshire & Buckinghamshire and Cardigan as shown in the above photo. All are in good condition except a couple of scuffs here and there. Probably worth up to eight pounds each in the current climate.

The passing of the royal patron

One less obvious but major change to the look of the maps came sometime after the death of King George V in 1936.
All blue series maps carried the slogan "Cartographers by appointment to the King' beneath  the royal coat of arms, that slogan would later read 'By appointment to the late King George V'  and so this new wording would remain on the covers for years afterwards - even after the next two monarchs came and went. The reason for this is because king George was the only royal to appoint Bartholemew and subsequent royals didn't wish to patronise Bartholemew themselves.

                                 The life and death of a king - told on a strap line

Here are a couple of photos showing the interesting colour scheme that Bartholomew used. The photos don't really do the maps justice.

More from Bartholemew

Pharmaceutical Company Promotions

Sometime either in the 1960s or 1970s a company called Dulpha commisioned Bartholomew to knock them up a few lightweight promotional maps presumably to be given away free in doctors surgeries or chemist shops. The maps featured 'main routes and specific areas' according to the wording which basically means they are reprints of the half inch maps. Unfortunately little else is known about these two 'limited edition' series.

What is the difference between the shitty brown series and the blood red series? - A prime example of the gap in the research with these maps. On the face of it the maps appear to be exactly the same and so it's the product advertised that is different and nothing else.

Trust the bowel relief drug to be on brown paper!

The products featured here for promotion appear to be a laxative type drug on the brown coloured map called Duphalac and an IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) drug called Colofac on the red coloured map.
Research suggests that both products are still in production and using the same names.  

The photo above shows one of the promo Cardigan map unfolded.  It is obvious that it's a bartholomews map.
These freeby maps would have been useful to collect back in 60s or 70s as it would save you a few shillings having to buy the regular Bartholomew paper maps.
In terms of worth these maps are difficult to put a price on. They are almost certainly in limited numbers compared to regular maps of the time so their true value may have not been realised yet? Who knows?