Rare Old Map of Northwest Alps by Mayr, 1874: France, Switzerland, Germany, Bern, Straßburg

The "Atlas der Alpenländer. Blatt I." is a captivating piece of cartographic history, meticulously crafted by the renowned cartographer Johann Mayr in 1874. This exquisite map is the first sheet of an eleven-sheet topographic atlas that elegantly captures the diverse and rugged terrain of the Alpine countries. Mayr's attention to detail is evident in the precise depiction of the northwest region, encompassing the majestic Rhine River, the bustling cities of Straßburg in France, Basel and Bern in Switzerland, and the dense Black Forest in Germany. Each element is rendered with a combination of black and white engraving and hand-colored outlines, bringing the map to life.

Johann Mayr, a master of his craft, was known for his ability to blend artistic finesse with scientific accuracy. His work on this map is no exception, showcasing his expertise in illustrating both political and physical geography. The relief of the land is skillfully portrayed using hachures, a technique that adds depth and dimension to the topographic features. Mayr's maps were highly regarded for their precision and beauty, making them invaluable tools for scholars, explorers, and enthusiasts of the 19th century.

The map is a treasure trove of geographical and historical information, highlighting the intricate network of cities, railroads, and natural features that define the Alpine region. The Rhine River, a vital waterway, meanders through the landscape, connecting various settlements and serving as a lifeline for trade and transportation. The Black Forest, with its dense foliage and mysterious allure, is prominently featured, inviting viewers to explore its depths. The inclusion of railroads underscores the era's industrial advancements and the growing connectivity between regions.

In addition to its geographical significance, the map offers a glimpse into the cultural and political landscape of the time. The hand-colored outlines delineate national and regional borders, reflecting the territorial divisions and alliances of the late 19th century. Cities like Bern and Basel are marked with precision, indicating their importance as centers of commerce, governance, and culture. The map also captures the natural beauty of the region, with lakes and drainage systems intricately detailed, showcasing the harmony between human settlements and the environment.

This map is not just a navigational tool but a work of art that tells the story of a region rich in history and natural wonders. It invites viewers to journey back in time and explore the Alpine countries as they were over a century ago. Whether you are a history buff, a geography enthusiast, or an art lover, the "Atlas der Alpenländer. Blatt I." is a remarkable piece that will captivate your imagination and enrich your understanding of the world.

Cities and towns on this map

• Switzerland:
• Bern
• Basel
• France:
• Straßburg

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Bodies of Water:
• Rhine River
• Mountains:
• The Black Forest (Schwarzwald)
• Borders:
• National and regional borders are outlined.
• Other notable features:
• Railroads
• Lakes and drainage systems

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Atlas der Alpenländer. Blatt I.
• Date created: 1874
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Johann Mayr
• Johann Mayr was a cartographer known for his detailed and accurate maps.
• Topics and themes:
• Political and physical geography of the Alpine region.
• Topography and natural features like rivers, mountains, and forests.
• Infrastructure such as railroads and cities.
• Countries and regions shown:
• France
• Switzerland
• Germany
• Design and style:
• Black and white engraving with hand-colored outlines.
• Use of hachures to depict relief and topography.
• Historical significance:
• The map provides a detailed view of the Alpine region in the late 19th century.
• It reflects the cartographic techniques and geographic knowledge of the time.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.