Rare Old Time Zones World Map by AK Johnston, 1906

The "Time of All Nations - World Map" created by A.K. Johnston in 1906 is a captivating piece that intricately illustrates the world's time zones and global communication networks. This infographic thematic map provides a snapshot of the world as it was understood in the early 20th century, with a special focus on the synchronization of time across different regions. The map features various 'timezone clocks' that show the local times in different parts of the world when it is midday in London, offering a fascinating glimpse into the temporal relationships between different geographical locations.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this map is its depiction of submarine telegraph cables, which were the lifelines of global communication at the time. These cables, shown as lines crisscrossing the oceans, connected continents and facilitated instant communication across vast distances. This was a period when the world was becoming increasingly interconnected, and the map beautifully captures this technological advancement. The inclusion of these cables highlights the importance of telegraphy in the early 20th century, making this map not just a geographical tool but also a historical document.

A.K. Johnston, the mapmaker, was a renowned cartographer known for his detailed and accurate maps. His work is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to clarity, which is evident in this map. The use of color-coded time zones and illustrative clocks makes the complex information easily understandable, even to those unfamiliar with the intricacies of global timekeeping. Johnston's maps were highly regarded for their educational value, and this map is no exception, providing both historical and geographical insights.

The design of the map is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The clear delineation of continents, countries, and major cities, along with the precise grid system of latitude and longitude, makes it easy to locate specific places. The clocks indicating local times in various regions add a dynamic element to the map, making it not just a static representation of the world but a living document that reflects the movement of time. The map also includes annotations with colonial names, offering a glimpse into the geopolitical context of the era.

Overall, the "Time of All Nations - World Map" is a remarkable artifact that combines geographical information with historical context. It serves as a window into a time when the world was rapidly shrinking due to advancements in communication technology. This map is not just a tool for understanding geography but also a piece of history that tells the story of global connectivity and the quest to synchronize time across the world. Owning this map is like holding a piece of the early 20th century, a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless march of progress.

Places on this map

• Continents:
• North America
• South America
• Europe
• Africa
• Asia
• Australia
• Antarctica
• Oceans:
• Atlantic Ocean
• Pacific Ocean
• Indian Ocean
• Arctic Ocean
• Countries:
• United States
• Canada
• Russia
• China
• India
• Australia
• Brazil
• United Kingdom
• France
• Germany
• Japan
• Cities:
• London
• New York
• Paris
• Berlin
• Tokyo
• Sydney
• Cairo
• Islands and Regions:
• Greenland
• Madagascar
• New Zealand
• Hawaii
• Caribbean Islands
• Geographical Features:
• Rocky Mountains
• Andes Mountains
• Himalayas
• Sahara Desert
• Amazon River
• Nile River

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Timezone Clocks:
• Midday in London: Central reference point.
• 3 PM in Arabia: Indicates the time difference with London.
• 9 AM in the middle of the Atlantic: Shows the time in this region.
• 3 AM on the west coast of the USA: Demonstrates the time difference with London.
• Submarine Telegraph Cables:
• Lines across oceans: Indicate the routes of submarine telegraph cables.
• Geographical Features:
• Continents and Oceans: Clearly marked.
• Major Cities: Labeled across different regions.
• Latitude and Longitude:
• Grid System: Provides precise geographical coordinates.
• Historical Annotations:
• Colonial Names: Some regions are labeled with colonial names, reflecting the political context of the early 20th century.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Time of All Nations - World Map
• Creation date: 1906
• Mapmaker/Publisher: A.K. Johnston
• Context about the mapmaker: A.K. Johnston was a well-known cartographer and publisher based in Edinburgh and London.
• Type of map: Infographic Thematic Map
• Themes and Topics:
• Time Zones: The map illustrates the time zones across the world.
• Submarine Telegraph Cables: Shows the submarine telegraph cables, which were crucial for global communication in the early 20th century.
• Timezone Clocks: Displays clocks indicating the local times in various regions when it is midday in London.
• Design/Style:
• Illustrative: Uses clocks and lines to convey time zone information.
• Color-coded: Different colors are used to distinguish the time zones.
• Historical Significance:
• Global Communication: Highlights the importance of telegraph cables and time synchronization for global communication and trade in the early 20th century.
• Technological Advancement: Reflects the technological advancements of the era, particularly in global connectivity.

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 24x36in (60x90cm) 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.