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Map collecting; how
and why:
The reasons for collecting maps are numerous.
Some people collect maps for their ever-growing monetary value,
some for the historic value, and others for the map's shear beauty.
Whatever the reason, have fun; from the pursuit of an elusive
map, to the display of your prized collection, map collecting
truly is an adventure.
Begin your adventure in map collecting
at your local library. Research the subjects of maps, map making,
cartography, and exploration. Research the lives of Mercator,
Munster, Ortelius, and Blaeu. The internet is another great source
for information on map collecting. (See Links)
Reference Books:
Baynton-Williams (R.), Investing in Maps,
1969.
Tooley (R.V.), Dictionary of Mapmakers, 1979.
Tooley (R.V.), Maps and Mapmakers, 1949.
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Matting products
used at Colin Luther Rare Maps:
3/16" Bienfang™ Acid-Free Foamboard
Acid-Free Museum Quality Mat Board, 2 ply. Ivory.
Scotch ™ 924AF Acid-Free Adhesive Transfer Tape
DuPont™ Mylar© Type D Polyester Film (polyethylene terepthalate)
UV Glass
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Preservation of Maps:
For long-term storage, your map collection should be kept in a
cool, dark and dry place. Your maps should be stored in an unheated
room and regularly monitored for humidity. Excess heat and humidity
can be controlled with an air conditioner and a dehumidifier.
The best way to store your collection is to first deacidify and
then place the maps in a Mylar sleeve with an acid-free backing
board, preferably one that has a sheet of activated charcoal throughout.
This will absorb and neutralize the contaminants that are in the
atmosphere and those that are given off by the map themselves.
When stored in this manner, your collection will stay in its current
condition for many years to come. Envelopes, sleeves and boxes
should only be made from true archival quality materials to prevent
contamination of their contents.
Acid Free Boards and Storage Boxes
Because ordinary cardboard is itself acidic, storage in cardboard
boxes may be hazardous to your collection and is a leading cause
of premature deterioration of map collections. To continue your
preservation efforts, use only acid-free storage cartons, either
solid fiberboard or acid free corrugated cardboard.
For proper storage, only acid-free backing boards that meet the
US Government's minimum requirements are acceptable. These requirements
have been defined as boards having a 3% calcium carbonate buffer
throughout and a minimum pH of 8.5. Anything less will hasten
your collection's destruction. While many advertisers claim that
their boards are "acid free at time of manufacture,"
they are in reality only spray coated with an alkaline substance
making them acid free for only a very short time.
Boards termed "acid free at time of manufacture" do
not offer sufficient protection or storage for anything other
than short term. True acid-free boards have been impregnated with
a calcium carbonate buffer resulting in an acid free, alkaline
pH content of 8.5 throughout.
Mylar©
According to the US Library of Congress, the most preferred material
for preserving valuable documents is uncoated archival quality
polyester film, such as Mylar© type D by DuPont™ Co.
Mylar© is an exceptionally strong transparent film that is
resistant to moisture, pollutants, oils and acids. It contains
no volatile chemicals, which will migrate to the surface of the
paper and cause damage. With a life expectancy of hundreds of
years, Mylar© will outlast most other plastics. In addition
along with the brilliance and clarity of Mylar©, which enhances
the appearance of any paper collectible, it is an effective barrier
against acidity, which is the primary cause of paper deterioration.
Polyethylene and Polypropylene
For years, collectors have stored their maps in polyethylene bags,
PVC sheets and plastic wraps. Although such products may be useful
in keeping away dirt, grease and vermin, many plastic sleeves
contain plasticizers and other additives that can migrate into
paper and cause premature aging.
Both polyethylene and polypropylene contain solvents and additives
in their manufacture to assure clarity and increase the flexibility
in the plastic. Polyethylene, which uncoated without any solvents,
is a good moisture barrier, but has a high gas transmission rate
and eventually shrinks and loses its shape under warmer conditions.
In recent years, polypropylene bags have been sold under the guise
of being archivally sound. This is far from the truth. Only uncoated
and untreated material is suitable for archival protection.
Currently, the only way to seal polypropylene is to add a substance
called PVDC (Polyvinyl Dichloride, which is a relative of PVC)
to allow the material to be heat-sealed. Therefore, once you add
the harmful additive, the sleeve now becomes non-archival and
should not be used for long-term storage. We shrink wrap maps
that are 16" x 20" or smaller, just prior to shipping
for added protection. It is suggested that you remove this shrink
wrap before storing or displaying you investment.
Deacidfication
Another way to extend the longevity of your collectibles is to
deacidify them before storage. Deacidifying sprays and solutions
are now available for home use. By impregnating the paper with
an alkaline reserve, you can neutralize existing acids and inhibit
oxidation, future acidity and staining due to certain fungi. However,
it is best left to the professionals to deacidify your maps.
Deacidification with proper storage conditions will add centuries
to the lifetime of paper.
In summary, we recommend the following
guidelines for the maximum protection of your collectibles:
1. Deacidify the paper, store in Mylar© sleeves with acid-free
boards and cartons, and keep the collection in a cool, dry and
dark atmosphere.
2. Periodic inspections and pH and humidity tests are also recommended.
3. By following these simple guidelines, you can be assured of
a map collection that not only will increase in value, but will
also last for many years to come.
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Map Terms
· Auctore - Author
· Caelavit - Engraved by
· Composuit - Designed by
· Cum Privilegio - With permission of
· Delineavit (del or delin) - Drawn by
· Descripsit - Mapped by
· Eng. - Engraver
· Excudit (Ex.) - Engraved or printed by
· Fecit (fec.) - Drawn and engraved by
· Incidit (incid or inc.) - Engraver
· Lith. - Lithographed (by)
· Pinxit - Painted (by)
· Sculpsit (sculp or sc.) - Engraved by
· Oriens - The East, the rising sun.
· Occidens - The West, the setting sun.
· Merido - The South, the midday sun.
· Septentrio - The North, the seven stars of the Great
Bear
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