There is an enormous amount to learn about old maps, and there are several very good books written as introductory guides to old maps. Having said that, I think reading the books is no substitute for practical experience. 1 sold my first map when 1 was 11, and spent my Saturdays and school holidays from then on working in the family gallery, Obviously, not everyone has that sort of opportunity, but that is how 1 learned, The best way to start is simply to visit map shops, see the wide range of material available, handle the maps, and talk to the dealers, The majority of dealers advertising in this magazine have shops, and will welcome the new collector. As a second alternative, with the rapid development of the Internet, many dealers, from the largest to the smallest, are introducing their own web sites, which people can access, and see the range of material available, with illustrations. Many of the dealers also issue general catalogues, and will send them out to new collectors.
Pricing is based on a number of factors, the most important being the area shown.
Essentially, World maps are often the most decorative map in an atlas, and the type of map that everyone would like to own, so the demand is very high. Similarly, the United States is the strongest regional market, so demand for material relating to the Americas is also very high. Some parts of Europe, however, do not have a strong domestic market, and so demand is much less. The final factor is the dealer's individual evaluation of the map, and two dealers can look at the same map, and come up with completely different numbers. Neither price is right, and neither wrong.