Rare Old World Map of British Empire Trade Routes & Ocean Currents, 1895 - Shipping Chart, Submarine Cables

Immerse yourself in the rich history of global trade with this vintage map focusing on the commercial routes of the British Empire at the height of its power. Published by The Times in 1895, this fascinating piece provides a unique snapshot of the world during the Victorian era, revealing the intricate network of trade routes that connected the British Isles with its far-flung colonies in Canada, India, Australia, and New Zealand.

The map is a testament to the immense reach of the British Empire, offering a detailed representation of the continents of Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Africa, and Australia, as well as the vast expanses of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. The trade routes are meticulously marked, demonstrating the extensive network that facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures across the globe. The British Isles, the heart of the empire, are prominently displayed, along with the colonies in Canada, India, Australia, and New Zealand. Each of these regions is depicted with their major cities and ports, the hubs of commercial activity during this period.

What makes this map particularly interesting is the context it provides for understanding the scale and complexity of the British Empire's commercial operations. It illustrates not just the physical geography of the time, but also the economic and political relationships that underpinned the empire's dominance. The map offers a glimpse into the logistical challenges faced by traders and sailors, the vast distances they traversed, and the diverse cultures they encountered. It's a remarkable visual narrative of a pivotal era in world history, making it a must-have for history buffs, map enthusiasts, and anyone with an interest in the fascinating story of global trade and exploration.

This map looks great at all sizes: 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x36in (61x91.5cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 50in (127cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

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

The labels on this map are very small at 16x20in (40.5x51cm). The map is still very attractive, but you may struggle to read the smallest letters. Please buy a larger map if it's important to be able to read the map easily.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, another option would be this amazing map of the British Empire by Macdonald Gill in 1933.

The locations on this map include: Europe, Asia, South America, North America, Africa, Australia, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean.

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 or housewarming gift for someone interested in The British Empire Commercial Routes or someone interested in the British Empire.

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.