Like many antiques, many people will try to sell cheap reproduction maps as the originals. As a collector or hobbyist, its helpful to learn how to spot a forgery. Here are a few tips to help you.
1. Never buy a framed original map. Many fraudsters will use frames to try to hide the fact that it's fake.
2. If a map is said to be old, but is also colored, you should see brush strokes since color was applied manually before printing machines.
3. Many original pieces do not have dates, but fake ones have dates as a way to make them look original.
4. If a map is said to be from the 1800's or before, hold it up to the light. You should see watermarks from the paper companies.
It's in your best interest to study a bit of history about antique maps and learn the techniques used by those that wish to defraud the public. It could end up saving you a lot of money.
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