University of California Berkley Auctions Off Historic Map Collection

Earlier this month, the geography department at UC Berkeley auctioned off its sizeable map collection.  mapsales.com takes a look at some of these historic maps. 

Although modern maps have gone the way of computerized images and digital applications, there is nothing quite like an antique map that you can hold in your hands.  Hand-drawn maps are becoming rare pieces of cartographic art.  If you were lucky enough to be in Northern California’s Berkeley area this December, you could have gotten your hands on some rare and historic maps. 

University of California Berkeley’s geography department held its map auction on December 15, selling off its historic collection of state, city, topographic, water table, and country maps.  The maps sold from 50 cents to $5. 

According to Dan Plumlee, manager of the department’s map collections, space is a big reason for the sale.  There is simply not enough room to hold the large map collection.  And while geography students as well as department faculty still use physical maps, the ones marked for sale were either redundant or rarely used. 

The biggest sellers of the day were topographic maps (maps that display elevations of a specific area).  Topographic maps are used by researchers and teachers, as well as hikers and architects. 

Want to learn more about historic and antique maps? Contact us!  mapsales.com carries over 200,000 wall maps…delivered as fast as next day! 

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