I am now in possession of a very old (1895), authentic, German map, and I'd like to sell it. I have no interest in keeping it, and it's been in my family for decades. Problem is, I know nothing about this stuff, and I also don't want to be shafted. Is this of significance, or low-value? I haven't had any good experiences trying to sell anything second-hand (and I've done quite a bit of it.) I find buyers always trying to massively undervalue things and re-sell for significantly higher (which is a given), but there aren't enough buyers, or reputable places to sell, to get it efficiently over and done with; it always drags on. So, how shall I sell it, and what should it be valued at? Suggestions? Information?
"Value is typically a function of uniqueness, desirability, rarity, age, map size, cartographer, artistic impression, which includes coloration; and condition. The first map to capture a specific geography is likely to be more valuable than a later rendering of the same area."
My belief is that it is unlikely that the map you have is of significant value. It may increase in value over time if kept in good condition (it appears to already be a bit damaged), but as you have said you don't wish to keep it, that is a moot point.
If it were my task, I would attempt to sell it on eBay. If you really want maximum value for it, I would try to sell it at a high price first, then slowly come down over time until you reach a price buyers are willing to purchase at.
Just like in real estate, it will be worth that amount that one person is willing to pay and the other person is willing to sell. That could be $40, or it could be $4,000
The book is about a mountain range in germany. It describes it and has some history etc. It was released in 1962 and it's not very valuable I found an expensive one online for 85 euros but there were also people selling it for way less. I can't help you with the map.
The back Top portion reads "Herausgegeben von der kartogr. Abtheilung der Kgl. Preuss. Landes-Aufnahm 1895."
Which translates to Published by the kartogr. Abtheilung der Kgl. Preuss. Landes-Aufnahm 1895. (which if you google this on google images, a few maps pop up) not your exact map though.
I couldn't read the top middle portion too small.
The very bottom says: The numbers indicate the high iiber normally zero in meters. In the degree network of the country survey, greenwhich is located east of ferro
I have actually seen old maps go for a lot on online auctions and eBay, it can go from $300.00 - $15,000.. Though maps are kind of a long wait to sell, most maps sit for a long time, i recommend seeing an expert for sure! (:
You need an antique appraiser who is skilled and cartography or knowledge of cartography to appraise your map. For the book you need a specialized book appraiser there are many of these people around. Rebecca Romney is a very well-known book appraiser in Las Vegas who would probably be happy to take a look at your book.
I think you should email museum workers and tell them you have a product and are accepting bids on it. Sometimes for a high end trade, the seller has to hunt for the buyer instead of the buyer going to the seller.
You never get anything approaching fair value for such things because of asymmetric information. Just figure out what it's worth to you or maybe get it appraised.
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