Rare Old Map of Asia & Europe by Appleton, 1892: Political Divisions, Major Cities, Steam Routes

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history with this exquisite 1892 map titled "Asia & Europe," meticulously crafted by the renowned D. Appleton & Co. This map, a testament to the cartographic artistry of the late 19th century, offers a vivid portrayal of the geopolitical landscape of Asia and Europe during a period of profound transformation. D. Appleton & Co., a distinguished American publishing house, was celebrated for its educational and reference works, and this map stands as a sterling example of their commitment to precision and detail.

The map delineates the political divisions of the time with remarkable clarity, showcasing the vast expanse of the Russian Empire, the intricate boundaries of the Ottoman Empire, and the rich cultural tapestry of regions such as Persia, Arabia, and India. Major cities like Moscow, Constantinople, Calcutta, and Beijing are prominently marked, offering a glimpse into the urban centers that were the heartbeats of these empires. The map also highlights principal steam routes, reflecting the burgeoning era of steam-powered transportation that connected distant lands and facilitated global trade.

Designed with a classic 19th-century cartographic style, this map employs hachures and spot heights to depict relief, providing a tactile sense of the varied topography from the towering Himalayas to the vast Siberian plains. The use of color enhances the visual distinction between different regions, making it not only an informative piece but also a visually captivating one. The Prime Meridian, set at Greenwich, anchors the map in a universally recognized coordinate system, underscoring its scientific rigor.

The geographical features detailed on this map are nothing short of breathtaking. From the icy reaches of the Arctic Ocean to the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and from the rugged Ural Mountains to the expansive Gobi Desert, this map captures the natural wonders of two continents. The inclusion of major rivers, such as the Volga and the Yangtze, and mountain ranges like the Caucasus and the Tien Shan, further enriches the viewer's understanding of the diverse landscapes that define Asia and Europe.

Historically, this map is a window into a world on the cusp of modernity. The late 19th century was a time of colonial expansion, industrialization, and significant political shifts. This map not only serves as a geographical guide but also as a historical document, reflecting the power dynamics, trade routes, and cultural intersections of the era. It is a perfect addition for collectors, historians, and anyone with a passion for the intricate interplay of geography and history.

Countries and regions on this map

• Continents:
• Asia
• Europe
• Countries and regions:
• Russian Empire
• Ottoman Empire
• Persia
• Arabia
• India
• China
• Japan
• Korea
• Afghanistan
• Mongolia
• Tibet
• Southeast Asia regions (e.g., Siam, Burma)
• Central Asian regions (e.g., Turkestan)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Bodies of water:
• Arctic Ocean
• Caspian Sea
• Black Sea
• Mediterranean Sea
• Red Sea
• Arabian Sea
• Bay of Bengal
• South China Sea
• East China Sea
• Sea of Japan
• Pacific Ocean
• Mountain ranges:
• Ural Mountains
• Caucasus Mountains
• Himalayas
• Altai Mountains
• Kunlun Mountains
• Tien Shan Mountains
• Sea, road, and rail routes:
• Principal steam routes with distances
• Other interesting features:
• Labels for major cities such as Moscow, Constantinople, Calcutta, and Beijing
• Historical regions such as Persia, Arabia, and Siberia

Historical and design context

• Mapmaker or publisher: D. Appleton & Co., a prominent American publishing company in the 19th century.
• When the map was made: 1892
• Color map on 2 sheets: The map is divided into two sheets, each colored to distinguish different regions.
• Shows political divisions and major cities, rivers, mountains, principal steam routes, and distances from place to place: The map provides detailed information about the political boundaries and major geographical features.
• Relief shown by hachures and spot heights: The topography is depicted using hachures (lines to show relief) and spot heights (specific points indicating elevation).
• Prime meridian is Greenwich: The map uses the Greenwich meridian as the reference for longitudinal measurements.
• Historical significance: Reflects the geopolitical landscape of Asia and Europe at the end of the 19th century, a period marked by colonial expansion, industrialization, and significant political changes.

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 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.