Old Cable and Wireless World Map, 1938 - (Very Early) Internet & Submarine Telegraph Chart
Old Cable and Wireless World Map, 1938 - (Very Early) Internet & Submarine Telegraph Chart
Old Cable and Wireless World Map, 1938 - (Very Early) Internet & Submarine Telegraph Chart
Old Cable and Wireless World Map, 1938 - (Very Early) Internet & Submarine Telegraph Chart
Old Cable and Wireless World Map, 1938 - (Very Early) Internet & Submarine Telegraph Chart
Old Cable and Wireless World Map, 1938 - (Very Early) Internet & Submarine Telegraph Chart
Old Cable and Wireless World Map, 1938 - (Very Early) Internet & Submarine Telegraph Chart
Old Cable and Wireless World Map, 1938 - (Very Early) Internet & Submarine Telegraph Chart
Old Cable and Wireless World Map, 1938 - (Very Early) Internet & Submarine Telegraph Chart

Old Cable and Wireless World Map, 1938 - (Very Early) Internet & Submarine Telegraph Chart

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A fantastic world map, originally published in 1938 at the peak of the British Empire, showing every wireless and wired telegraph route at the time. The map focuses on Cable & Wireless Ltd, the operator of the British Empire's network, with London smack bang in the centre.

The history of Cable & Wireless Ltd is complex and steeped in history, but it started with the British Government's requirement to build an Empire-wide wired and wireless network. The network was originally owned by the state, and operated by the Post Office, but by 1938 it was a privately held company. (And in 1947, under the Labour government, it would be nationalised and run by the Post Office again!)

This map is an unusual size - it's extremely wide - and would make a fantastic statement piece above a sofa, table, mantelpiece or staircase. The three smaller sizes (18x9, 24x11 and 36x17 inches) all come with white edges that help with framing, or can be easily snipped off if necessary. The larger sizes, and all framed maps, are all printed and pre-cut perfectly to size and look just like the listing images.

The text is very small on the 18-inch map, but at larger sizes it looks magnificent. I can print very large versions of this map up to 4.4 meters (170 inches) wide. Get in touch if you're looking for very large maps, or if you want me to check if your town/city is visible on this map.

The map shows every wired and wireless link in the world, with Cable & Wireless (i.e. British) links shown in red and other countries/companies in blue. Solid lines are cables, dashed are wireless. Wireless lines might seem a little quaint today, but in those days they were vital for maintaining connectivity if there was a World War and the enemy cut your undersea cables...!

The "Imperial" refers to the Imperial Wireless Chain, a project that was later folded into Cable & Wireless Ltd.

This would make a wonderful birthday, housewarming or Christmas gift for someone interested in (very early) history of the Internet and submarine cables.

You can order the map itself, or you can order a framed version. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that really makes the map pop out when on a wall. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame. I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) in my frames - it's less reflective than glass and better for transport.

My standard frame is a black wood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 2-3cm (0.75in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).

In all cases 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.

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.

A few different frame colours are available for free (black, brown, white and natural). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

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.

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 have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 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 maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, extremely 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 how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps

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.

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 1,500 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.

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