"Surrey & Sussex. Scale 4 miles to an inch. London: WH Smith & Son, 186 Strand."
A genuine antique folding map, a "Reduced Ordnance Map for Tourists by J Bartholomew, FRGS."
WH Smith were quick in the 1850s to spot the profits that could be made with bookstores sited at stations. They soon branched out into maps, which were much appreciated by the new tourists created by the railway expansion in the second half of the 19th century. "We always take with us Smith & Son's Shilling 'Reduced Ordnance Survey Maps'. They are very clear and correct." So states JJ Hissey in his "Tour in a Phaeton" which was published in 1889.
This map covers much of the South East, beyond Maidstone into Kent, for example, and it shows much of South London. On the coast, Brighton Chain Pier is marked. This was destroyed in a storm in 1896, so the map pre-dates that event. The map clearly shows all the old railway networks. A view of the counties at the end of the 19th century.
I am selling a similar map, slightly later as it depicts not the Chain Pier, but rather Volks's Electric Railway (marked all the way to Rottingdean!). Please see my other items.
Size: Unfolded, the map measures approx. 49cms x 36.5cms. Folded, the covers measure approx. 16.5cms x 10.5cms.
Condition: Covers with a bit of wear, but all holding well together. The map is mounted on linen, and in a reasonably good condition. Please study the photographs.
Postage: £2.00 within the UK. £10.00 to Europe, £12.00 to USA etc.
I have other antique maps, books, prints etc. in my ebay shop - please see my other items.