Rare Old Map of Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands by Stanford, 1901: Port Moresby, Coral Sea, Solomon Sea, New Britain, Torres Strait

Step back in time with Edward Stanford's meticulously crafted 1901 map, "New Guinea & the Solomon Islands." This historical masterpiece offers a vivid glimpse into the geopolitical landscape of the early 20th century. Stanford, a renowned London-based cartographer, was celebrated for his precision and artistry in mapmaking. His work not only charted territories but also captured the essence of an era marked by exploration and colonial expansion. This map, in particular, delineates the intricate political boundaries and colonial territories of New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, reflecting the European powers' influence in the South Pacific.

The map's full-color presentation and detailed relief, shown by hachures and spot heights, bring the diverse topography of the region to life. From the rugged mountain ranges of New Guinea to the scattered archipelagos of the Solomon Islands, every geographical feature is meticulously rendered. The use of hachures to indicate slopes and spot heights to mark elevations provides a three-dimensional perspective, allowing viewers to appreciate the varied terrain. Bodies of water such as the South Pacific Ocean, Solomon Sea, Coral Sea, and Gulf of Papua are prominently featured, underscoring the region's maritime significance.

Stanford's map is a treasure trove of historical and geographical information. It highlights the colonial divisions of New Guinea, with territories marked as German, British, and Dutch. The map also includes adjacent regions like the Admiralty Islands, Louisiade Archipelago, and parts of Queensland, Australia. These colonial boundaries offer a snapshot of the geopolitical dynamics at the turn of the century, reflecting the strategic interests and territorial claims of European powers. The map serves as a historical document, providing valuable insights into the colonial era's geopolitical landscape in the South Pacific.

The map is adorned with the names of various cities and towns, each holding its own historical significance. In Papua New Guinea, notable settlements such as Port Moresby, Samarai, and Finschhafen are marked, each playing a crucial role in the region's colonial history. The Solomon Islands feature key locations like Gizo, Tulagi, and Honiara, which have evolved into important urban centers over the years. These settlements, depicted on the map, offer a fascinating glimpse into the region's urban development and historical evolution.

Beyond the political and urban details, the map also captures the natural beauty and complexity of the region. It showcases significant bodies of water, mountain ranges, and islands, each contributing to the area's rich natural heritage. The depiction of features like the Torres Strait, Iron Gulf, and Huon Gulf highlights the region's maritime routes and natural barriers. This blend of natural and political elements makes Stanford's map not just a cartographic artifact but a window into the historical and geographical tapestry of New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

Cities and towns on this map

• Papua New Guinea:
• Port Moresby
• Samarai
• Rigo
• Morobe
• Finschhafen
• Madang
• Aitape
• Wewak
• Solomon Islands:
• Gizo
• Tulagi
• Auki
• Kirakira
• Honiara

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Bodies of water:
• South Pacific Ocean
• Solomon Sea
• Coral Sea
• Gulf of Papua
• Torres Strait
• Iron Gulf
• Huon Gulf
• Borders:
• Colonial boundaries of German New Guinea, British New Guinea, and Dutch New Guinea
• Mountains:
• Various mountain ranges and peaks indicated by hachures and labeled spot heights
• Other notable features:
• Various islands such as Admiralty Islands, New Britain, New Ireland, and the Louisiade Archipelago

Historical and design context

• Mapmaker/Publisher: Edward Stanford, a prominent London-based cartographer known for high-quality maps and atlases.
• Date of creation: 1901
• Full color: The map uses full color to differentiate various regions and features.
• Relief shown by hachures and spot heights: Depicts the physical terrain and elevation.
• Political boundaries: Shows the political divisions and colonial territories of New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
• Colonial context: Reflects the colonial interests and divisions of the time, with regions labeled according to their colonial rulers.
• Countries and regions shown: New Guinea (divided into German, British, and Dutch territories), Solomon Islands, Admiralty Islands, Louisiade Archipelago, and parts of Queensland, Australia.
• Design and style: Classic early 20th-century cartographic style, emphasizing clarity and detail.
• Historical significance: Provides insight into the colonial era's geopolitical landscape in the South Pacific.

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.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) 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 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.