Treasured maps
The maps of greatest value to collectors are those charting the development of the modern world.
On the earlier maps, the existence of some Great Southern Land yet to be discovered is guessed at, usually fancifully.
Maps such as these, and associated artworks showing events in the history of the region, can be found in Louis Kissajukian's Antique Print and Map Room in George Street, Sydney.
Kissajukian has been specialising in this area for 35 years and his gallery is one of the few in Australia devoted to this niche market. He has an international clientele, some of whom allocate a few hours to browse whenever they visit Sydney. The original emphasis was on Australiana, but lately, the world of maps, travel and exploration has taken over.
Kissajukian includes his new acquisitions online and in full-colour catalogues, the latest highlighting a 1787 print The Death of Cook by marine artist John Cleveley. This aquatint is a recreation of James Cook's 1779 death based on witness sketches by Cleveley's brother, James, a carpenter on board Cook's ship, Resolution. It is regarded as one of the most accurate of several depictions of the event.
This print was valued at $13,500 and sold within days to an American collector whose house overlooks the location shown, Kealakekua Bay in Hawaii. These prints are now in great demand and have sold in the US for $20,000 to $30,000 each.
Another Cleveley print, Cook in Tahiti, is listed for $5500.
Antique maps are also in demand, especially those related to the Dutch East Indies exploration period, at the peak of the spice trade. This was the golden age of map-making, when publishers in Holland would compete to include the latest discoveries of the emerging world.
These maps were either included as fold-outs in atlases or published separately.
Examples from Kissajukian's latest catalogue include Merian's World Map With Terra Australis Incognito, first published in 1646. It shows the undiscovered Australia as a monumental land mass covering the lower section of the globe. The map is valued at $1950.
Compare this with the 1700 map by Wells - Australia According to Tasman - with North America now more fully shown, but with California as an island. Only the west and north coasts of Australia appear. This map is worth $2850.
Such maps are increasingly difficult to find, and are gaining in value.
Copies of Blaeu's world map, considered one of the most important, have sold for up to $15,000 in Australia.
Kissajukian points out that since public institutions such as the National Gallery of Australia have begun actively pursuing this material, not as much is available to private collectors. Prices for good material are still strong.
Private collectors tend to concentrate on a very specific period of history, with Cook's explorations an obvious example.
The use of colour and illustrated details, such as ships on the seas, usually add to a map's value. These are treated as works of art. Most are framed and many end up in corporate boardrooms.
Later Australian history is also strong.
Other maps listed by Kissajukian include Walter Burley Griffin's Canberra 1925 ($2950); Colonel Light's plan of Adelaide 1838 ($3750); Hoddle's plan of Port Phillip 1841 ($2850), and the first chart of Victoria by Lieutenant James Grant 1803 ($6750).
These maps have usually been removed from the source book or government report some time ago in the belief that they would be worth more sold separately. This was once true but those in situ can now be worth more.
There seems to be growing interest in early Australian history. On February 14, Leski Auctions in Melbourne will offer James Cook's pistol, from the collection of Melbourne businessman Ron Walker. Estimates range from $100,000 to $200,000.
More on this next week.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
Antique maps have been gaining value and interest, according to the article. Demand is strong for maps that chart the development of the modern world and for works tied to early Australian history. Prices for good material remain firm, but availability can be limited as public institutions also compete for key pieces. The article highlights rising prices and brisk sales for desirable prints and maps.
Maps that document major exploration eras — for example maps from the Dutch East Indies/spice-trade period and those linked to James Cook’s voyages — are in high demand. Early world maps showing Terra Australis or Tasman’s charts, colourful maps with illustrated details (ships, scenes) and pieces connected to well‑known historical events are often the most sought after and valuable.
The article gives several price examples from Louis Kissajukian’s catalogue: a 1787 Cleveley aquatint 'The Death of Cook' was valued at $13,500 and sold quickly; similar prints have traded in the US for around $20,000–$30,000. Other listings include Merian’s 1646 world map at $1,950, Wells’ 1700 map at $2,850, Blaeu copies selling up to $15,000, and early Australian charts such as Lieutenant James Grant’s 1803 chart at $6,750.
Specialist galleries and dealers are a primary source — the article profiles Louis Kissajukian’s Antique Print and Map Room in George Street, Sydney, which publishes full-colour catalogues and lists new acquisitions online. Auctions are another channel (the article mentions Leski Auctions in Melbourne), and public institutions are also active buyers of important material.
The article notes that institutions such as the National Gallery of Australia have begun actively pursuing antique maps and related material. That institutional demand means fewer important pieces are available to private collectors, which helps keep prices for strong material high.
According to the article, the use of colour and illustrated details—like ships and engraved scenes—usually add to a map’s value, as these are treated as works of art. Historical significance (for example links to Cook’s explorations), rarity and period relevance are also highlighted as value drivers in the market.
Yes. The article describes a 1787 Cleveley aquatint of Cook’s death that was valued at $13,500 and sold within days to an American collector, and notes similar prints selling in the US for $20,000–$30,000. It also flags an upcoming Leski Auctions sale in Melbourne offering James Cook’s pistol with estimates between $100,000 and $200,000, illustrating strong interest in early Australian history.
Many private collectors do concentrate on very specific historical periods — the article points to Cook’s explorations as a common focus. Narrowing a collecting area can help everyday investors build expertise and identify desirable pieces, especially in markets where rarity and provenance affect value.
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