Merlyn Reineke of Heirloom Maps :: antique map collecting

Formerly known as Compass Rose Trading Company, Heirloom Maps is based just outside Washington DC. The company's founder, Merlyn Reineke, has been a collector of antique maps and atlases for more than 25 years. At age 11, Merlyn stumbled across a 19th Century Rand McNally atlas in his grandparents’ barn. Tattered and worn, the atlas nonetheless illustrated a world that has changed significantly over the years. That began a passion for map collecting that soon grew into a hobby and later developed into Heirloom Maps. While Merlyn participates in various on-site shows around the Washington DC area during the course of the year, he and his map inventory may be accessed anytime via the Heirloom Maps website.

Merlyn appreciates how important it is to find just the right map, whether for your own collection or as a gift. Maps are more than just a geographic record, but a work that is part art, science and history. Few people who receive the gift of an authentic antique map will not appreciate the thoughtfulness that is behind the presentation. And for the hard-to-buy-for person on your gift-giving list, an antique map makes a perfect present!

Equally important in the purchase of an antique map is having just the right combination of custom framing and matting materials. Merlyn works hard to put together an attractive, museum-quality framing package . . . and at a most affordable price. While there are literally thousands of framing choices, Merlyn’s experience can help narrow down the selection and make the framing decisions easy and pleasurable. Please contact us for your map & framing needs!

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