This collection of vintage maps was a fabulous recent buy.

We were quite excited when we saw them lurking at the bottom of a mixed box at auction…

…their bright colours and fab period illustrations calling out to us!

They’re all from the United States – most were produced by the American Automobile Association – and petrol (or gas if you’re from the US!) companies such as Esso & Enco.

Quite unusual for them to have ended up in a small northern town in England!

They were obviously picked up by a pair of adventurous travellers – also in the box were old tickets, menus, napkins, receipts, notes and other bits of ephemera – all picked up along their way.

We’ve really enjoyed sorting through them – artwork like this is good enough for framing.

Inside, the maps are clean & bright – untouched for 50 years or so. Full of handy hints and endless possibilities.

The thought of setting out in a convertible or camper van with a pile of these is very appealing indeed!