Let's Talk Map Sellers

Submitted by OurWhoresAreClean t3_1232iob in Maine

I love old maps and would like to find some. I know there was a recent post on a similar topic, but most of the suggestions in it were for online sellers. I can do that way if I have to, but what I'd prefer is to find an actual brick-and-mortar store where I can browse in-person and talk to the owners. Google has found a couple spots for me (these two look promising, for example) but I was hoping that the sub might have some recommendations that might not come across my radar otherwise. Used bookstores, antique sellers, that type of thing. Places that may have a map collection but don't necessarily advertise themselves as map sellers or put their catalogs online.

I'm not a serious collector (i.e., I'm not looking to spend thousands of dollars on authentic originals), so I'm fine with prints and reproductions. I'm just looking for anything interesting, preferably having to do with Maine or at least New England.

I'm willing to drive pretty much anywhere between Bangor and Kittery, but that said: If you know of a really great place that's a bit further afield...let's talk.

Thanks in advance.

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SamPhoto t1_jdsyb3w wrote

Here's two in portland you can check in on.

Carson & Turner - on Congress St in Portland, across from the East End Cemetery. I haven't been in there for a bit, but they had a rack near the front door.

Mainely Frames in Portland - Congress St, middle of downtown/arts district, near MECA.

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OurWhoresAreClean OP t1_jdt4rn8 wrote

Much appreciated, thank you.

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CantThinkOfAName000 t1_jdvexab wrote

If you go to Mainley frames, note that a lot of their maps are in the basement, so be sure not to miss those ones. I can also confirm that they've got plenty of cool old maps to hang on your walls, so it'll be worth a drive, based on what's in your post.

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OurWhoresAreClean OP t1_jdvhd3s wrote

>If you go to Mainley frames, note that a lot of their maps are in the basement, so be sure not to miss those ones.

Noted. Appreciate the tip

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pbbb1256 t1_jdsxk6c wrote

Have you been to the Osher Map library at USM? I think that’s a thing

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OurWhoresAreClean OP t1_jdt4p4b wrote

I have, and it's incredible.

But...do they have something like a gift shop that sells prints of maps from their collection? I haven't been there since I was a student 20 years ago, but back then at least there was nothing like that.

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SnooCats7847 t1_jdu46o3 wrote

They give out free posters in front of the map library. There is usually an empty table with free stuff past five in the library. But if you want something nice looking, ll bean has some cool maps in their home goods store. Not a fan of ll bean but w/e

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OurWhoresAreClean OP t1_jdv4wmp wrote

>They give out free posters in front of the map library.

I had no idea, thanks for letting me know!

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DrMcMeow t1_jdtdmi8 wrote

are you interested in larger maps? like 4.3 x 3.5 ft wall maps for $5 ?

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OurWhoresAreClean OP t1_jdteaf1 wrote

I sure am!

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DrMcMeow t1_jdtfybp wrote

the state offers some i'll track down the site i got it bookmarked somewhere. got a couple of geologic ones of the state hanging on the wall from a couple years ago... DACF website i think. cheap and big, shipped in tubes.

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LaChanz t1_jdszmpf wrote

Fairfield Antiques has a booth downstairs that has quite a few old maps. If I remember right, it's toward the front of the building on the lowered level.

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athermalwill t1_jdt6k2v wrote

Jellisons in Augusta has a corner that is all art and some of it is maps.

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e_sully12 t1_jdtckss wrote

Antique shops! I found a cool Maine counties one at Wiscasset Antique Mall a few months back.

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OurWhoresAreClean OP t1_jdteir9 wrote

Shoot, I just drove by there today. I really didn't time this post well. Thanks for the recommendation though, I'll stop in next time I'm up that way.

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Chewser66 t1_jdtw7o1 wrote

I’ve bought a number of old Maine maps at Douglas Harding’ Books on Wells

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OurWhoresAreClean OP t1_jdv5p47 wrote

Yes, I found them on Google and they're on my list. Thanks for the confirmation that it's worth checking out.

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Ottobahnrichtofen t1_jdt0df1 wrote

Let’s have a discussion about the unethical practice of book breaking.

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OurWhoresAreClean OP t1_jdt6kxl wrote

I'm pretty certain I don't have enough money for what you're talking about.

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ptowndavid t1_jdt20oj wrote

Maps is the bar I imagine would serve you well.

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getniceonthis34 t1_jdtffbd wrote

Well drinks a little pricey in Portland these days..

Sorry tried to play of the well joke. I’ll see myself out.

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ZippittyDooBlah t1_jdtfbuz wrote

Careful. There are lots of forged maps out there.

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Quick_End2366 t1_jdtl7sf wrote

There used to be a couple of antique shops in Camden that had maps and prints but it’s been a few years since I’ve been up there.

I’d second the other poster about the Old Chicken Barn. It’s another level

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DiscountMohel t1_jdtpptx wrote

There’s a framing and crystal shop in Presque Isle with a neat collection of old maps, usually of spots along the coast.

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klamsuvdeth t1_jdtt2x2 wrote

If you’re ever in the County, Morningstar in Presque Isle has some awesome antique maps of Maine.

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OurWhoresAreClean OP t1_jdv5j2t wrote

That's a bit of a hike from where I live but I checked out their website and it does look pretty neat. I'll keep it in mind in case I'm ever up that way, thanks!

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embolia6 t1_jduldqi wrote

IIRC, the flea market in Ellsworth had some cool maps, as well as other antiques that were pretty awesome.

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JustAGreenDreamer t1_jduw279 wrote

In some of the antiques malls where people rent booths, people have certain specialties, like vintage clothes, Coca Cola collectibles, postcards, etc. I hadn’t these places, and every now and then there will be a booth that has old maps (I love them too). Try places like the Fairfield Antiques Mall and the Old Chicken Barn .

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anastasialh1123 t1_jdv1hb0 wrote

Talk to town historical societies. They often sell stuff like this to make money for preservation.

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