Rare Old Historical Seafaring World Map by Turpin, 1935: Famous Ships, Sea Monsters

Step into the captivating world of maritime history with "A Pictorial History of Seafaring and Meteorological Chart of the Sea," a stunning creation by Edward A. Turpin from 1935. This exquisite map serves as a visual narrative, weaving together the tales of legendary ships and the meteorological phenomena that have shaped our oceans. The map's black and white illustrations are rich with historical and allegorical annotations, offering a glimpse into the past where seafaring was both an art and a science. The detailed depictions of the sun and moon add a celestial touch, guiding explorers through the vast, uncharted waters.

Edward A. Turpin, renowned for his thematic and pictorial maps, masterfully combines art and cartography in this piece. His work not only charts the physical world but also the intangible stories of human endeavor and discovery. The map is adorned with a decorative title cartouche, featuring mermaids and mythical sea creatures, inviting viewers to delve into the mysteries of the deep. Each illustration and annotation tells a story, capturing the imagination and transporting you to an era of adventure and exploration.

The map's global representation includes major continents and oceans, from the icy expanses of Siberia and Alaska to the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. This comprehensive view of the world highlights the interconnectedness of nations through maritime routes and historical events. The inclusion of famous ships and their voyages underscores the significance of seafaring in shaping global history. It is a testament to the bravery and ingenuity of those who dared to explore the unknown.

Designed with an artistic flair, this map is not just a tool for navigation but a piece of art that celebrates the spirit of exploration. The allegorical figures and thematic elements in the border add depth and context, making it a conversation starter for any collection. The map's historical annotations provide insights into the meteorological understanding of the time, reflecting humanity's ongoing quest to comprehend and conquer the natural world.

This map holds historical significance as it captures a pivotal era in maritime history. It serves as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs faced by explorers who ventured into the vast oceans. By owning this map, you are not only acquiring a beautiful piece of art but also a slice of history that speaks to the enduring human spirit of curiosity and adventure. Let this map be a window into the past, where every line and illustration tells a story of courage and discovery.

Places on this map

• Siberia
• Alaska
• Canada
• United States
• Mexico
• Europe
• Russia
• Arabia
• India
• Australia
• North Pacific Ocean
• South Pacific Ocean
• North Atlantic Ocean
• South Atlantic Ocean
• Indian Ocean
• Antarctica
• Greenland
• Africa
• South America
• Caribbean Sea

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Globe depiction surrounded by detailed annotations.
• Illustrations of the sun and the moon.
• Decorative title cartouche with mermaids and sea creatures.
• Historical annotations related to seafaring.
• Allegorical figures representing celestial and oceanic themes.
• Famous ships and their routes.
• Illustrations of sea monsters and mythical creatures.
• Notations of significant maritime events.
• Depictions of meteorological phenomena.
• Artistic border with thematic elements.

Historical and design context

• Black and white pictorial map of the oceans.
• Depicts a globe surrounded by historical and allegorical annotations.
• Created by Edward A. Turpin in 1935.
• Themes include seafaring history and meteorological phenomena.
• Richly illustrated with allegorical and historical elements.
• Provides a visual narrative of maritime history and meteorological understanding of the time.

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 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

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.

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.