Cased Maps

Antique Cased Maps – Portable Cartography

Cased maps were produced as practical and portable alternatives to large wall maps and bound atlases, allowing geographic information to be carried and consulted during travel. Typically folding into compact formats and housed in slipcases or covers, these maps were widely used by travellers, merchants, military officers and administrators from the 18th through the early 20th centuries.

Many cased maps focus on regions of commercial, political or strategic importance, including countries, colonies, railway networks and military theatres. Publishers and cartographers such as John Cary, Aaron Arrowsmith, William Faden, Edward Stanford and British Admiralty surveyors were prominent producers of high-quality cased maps, combining clarity, durability and up-to-date geographic information.

Examples may include road maps, campaign maps, colonial surveys and regional overviews, often featuring fine engraved detail, hand colouring and contemporary annotations. The original case—whether leather, cloth or board—forms an important part of the object’s historical integrity and collectability.

Original antique cased maps are valued for their association with travel, exploration and everyday use, offering a tangible link to how geography was experienced and navigated in the past. Their compact form, functional design and historical significance make them highly desirable to collectors and institutions alike.