Old Pictorial Map of Manhattan by Seidman, 1939: Central Park, Empire State, Harlem, Times Square, Broadway

"A Pictorial Map of Manhattan," created by A. Inn and I.S. Seidman in 1939, is a stunning visual representation of one of the world's most iconic cities. This map captures the essence of Manhattan with a blend of artistic illustrations and meticulous detail. Each neighborhood is distinctly labeled, from the bustling Financial District to the bohemian charm of Greenwich Village. The map is a vibrant snapshot of pre-World War II Manhattan, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and cultural landmarks.

The mapmaker, I.S. Seidman, was renowned for his ability to combine thematic elements with precise cartography. His work on this map is no exception, showcasing Manhattan's intricate network of streets and avenues. Seidman's attention to detail is evident in the careful labeling of all streets and major landmarks, making this map not only a beautiful piece of art but also a valuable historical document. The inclusion of iconic structures like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty adds a layer of depth and significance to the map.

One of the most captivating aspects of this map is its depiction of Manhattan's diverse neighborhoods. The East Side Ghetto, East Side Residential, and West Side Residential areas are all prominently featured, reflecting the city's varied socio-economic landscape. The map also highlights the cultural vibrancy of Harlem and the quaint charm of Yorkville. Each neighborhood is brought to life with illustrative elements that capture the unique character and history of these areas.

Manhattan's green spaces are also beautifully illustrated on this map. Central Park, the city's sprawling urban oasis, is prominently featured, along with other significant parks like Riverside Park, Morningside Park, and Washington Square Park. These green spaces provide a stark contrast to the densely packed streets and towering skyscrapers, offering a glimpse into the city's commitment to preserving natural beauty amidst urban development.

The map's depiction of Manhattan's rivers and surrounding areas adds another layer of historical context. The Hudson River and East River are clearly marked, along with neighboring regions like Jersey City, Hoboken, Brooklyn, and Queens. This comprehensive view of Manhattan and its environs provides a broader understanding of the city's geographical and cultural significance. "A Pictorial Map of Manhattan" is not just a map; it is a historical artifact that captures the spirit and essence of New York City in the late 1930s.

Streets and roads on this map

• 1st Avenue
• 2nd Avenue
• 3rd Avenue
• 4th Avenue
• 5th Avenue
• 6th Avenue
• 7th Avenue
• 8th Avenue
• 9th Avenue
• 10th Avenue
• 11th Avenue
• 12th Avenue
• Amsterdam Avenue
• Avenue A
• Avenue B
• Avenue C
• Avenue D
• Broadway
• Columbus Avenue
• East End Avenue
• Lexington Avenue
• Madison Avenue
• Park Avenue
• Riverside Drive
• St. Nicholas Avenue
• West End Avenue

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations:
• Illustrative elements for major landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Central Park.
• Landmarks:
• Statue of Liberty
• Empire State Building
• Times Square
• Grand Central Station
• Penn Station
• United Nations
• Woolworth Building
• Rockefeller Center
• The Little Church Around the Corner
• The Cloisters
• Columbia University
• City College
• Yankee Stadium
• Neighborhoods:
• Financial District
• Greenwich Village
• East Side Ghetto
• East Side Residential
• West Side Residential
• Harlem
• Yorkville
• Large parks:
• Central Park
• Bronx Park
• Riverside Park
• Morningside Park
• Washington Square Park
• Union Square Park
• Tompkins Square Park
• East River Park

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: A Pictorial Map of Manhattan
• Date created: 1939
• Mapmaker/Publisher: A. Inn & I.S. Seidman
• Interesting context about the mapmakers: I.S. Seidman was known for creating detailed and artistic maps, often with a focus on thematic and pictorial elements.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• City thematic and pictorial representation
• Focus on neighborhoods and landmarks
• Illustrative elements to highlight significant areas and structures
• Countries and regions shown:
• Manhattan, New York City
• Surrounding areas like Jersey City, Hoboken, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx
• Design or style:
• The map uses a pictorial and illustrative style to depict Manhattan.
• It combines detailed labeling with artistic illustrations.
• Historical significance:
• The map provides a snapshot of Manhattan in 1939, capturing the city's layout and notable features of that era.
• It reflects the urban development and cultural landmarks of pre-World War II Manhattan.

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 36in (90cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

This map is wider than most maps, which would make it a perfect statement piece above a mantelpiece, sofa or desk.

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.

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.

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 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.