Rare Old Map of the Alps by Kartographia Winterthur, 1921: Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Mont Blanc, Dolomites

The 'Carte geologuique des Alpes', a map of inestimable value, was originally published in 1921 by Kartographia Winterthur, a renowned publisher in the field of cartography. The map provides an intricate portrayal of the geology of the Alps, a subject that has captivated the minds of scientists and explorers for centuries. The meticulous attention to detail and the precise delineation of geological features set this map apart. The legend, which is rich in information, highlights various types of rock, glaciers, moraines, and more, providing a comprehensive overview of the Alpine geology.

As a country map, the 'Carte geologuique des Alpes' stands out for its coverage of multiple nations that are nestled in the Alps. It encompasses Switzerland, Austria, regions of France, Italy, and Germany that border the Alps, and Slovenia. The detailed political and physical map allows one to explore the geographical nuances of these countries and their relationship with the Alpine range. It provides a unique perspective on how these nations have been shaped and influenced by their proximity to the Alps, both geographically and culturally.

The style of the map is noteworthy for its intricate detailing and use of color. The full-color geological map provides a vivid representation of the Alpine region, with relief shown by shadings. The use of color not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the map but also serves a functional purpose, enabling the viewer to distinguish between different geological features. The detailed political map, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive overview of the political boundaries within the Alpine region, adding another layer of depth to the viewer's understanding of this area.

Kartographia Winterthur, the publisher of this map, is known for their commitment to accuracy and detail. Their expertise in the field of cartography is evident in the 'Carte geologuique des Alpes'. The map is a testament to their skill and dedication, providing a wealth of information on the geology of the Alps, as well as the political and physical landscape of the countries that the mountain range traverses. This map is not just a tool for understanding the geography of the Alpine region, but also a work of art that reflects the publisher's passion for cartography.

Switzerland:

• Bern, the capital city
• Zurich, the largest city
• Swiss National Park, the oldest national park in the Alps
• Matterhorn, one of the highest peaks in the Alps
• The Great Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps

Austria:

• Vienna, the capital city
• Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart
• Hohe Tauern National Park, the largest national park in Central Europe
• Grossglockner, the highest mountain in Austria
• The end of World War I and the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918

France:

• Chamonix, a popular ski resort and the site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924
• Grenoble, known as the 'Capital of the Alps'
• Vanoise National Park, France's first national park
• Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps
• The Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which ended the state of war between Germany and the Allied Powers

Italy:

• Turin, the first capital of modern Italy
• Aosta, a city rich in Roman history
• Stelvio National Park, the largest national park in Italy
• The Dolomites, a mountain range listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• The rise of Benito Mussolini and the National Fascist Party in 1919

Germany:

• Munich, the capital of Bavaria
• Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a popular mountain resort
• Berchtesgaden National Park, located in the Bavarian Alps
• Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany
• The establishment of the Weimar Republic in 1919

Slovenia:

• Ljubljana, the capital city
• Triglav National Park, the only national park in Slovenia
• Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia
• The emergence of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes in 1918

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 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.

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.