The Hermon Dunlap Smith Center for the History of Cartography

Appraising Historic Maps

Many factors are considered when appraising and/or authenticating maps. Curators and dealers look for basic identifying information such as map maker, map title, publisher, place of publication, and date of publication. Often, this information is readily available on the document itself, but it is not unusual to have to conduct further research or compare the map to other items. The rarity, condition, craftsmanship, edition, and historical significance of an item will also affect its appraised value.

If you can bring your map to the library, our map curator will probably be able to speak to its authenticity and provide you with some information about it; such consultations require an appointment. The Newberry Library does not provide appraisal services, but we maintain a list of Chicago area appraisers of library materials. A good collection of links relating to evaluating old maps can be found at http://www.maphistory.info/market.html.

Chicago Area Appraisers of Library Materials
Note: Inclusion on this list does not constitute a recommendation by the Newberry Library

rev 10 Dec 2004