Antique French Alps Map of Albertville & Briançon by Edward Stanford, 1908

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Title: Antique French Alps Map of Albertville & Briançon, Edward Stanford 1908 : This remarkable original folding map of the … Read more Title: Antique French Alps Map of Albertville & Briançon, Edward Stanford 1908 : This remarkable original folding map of the French Alps was published in 1908 and distributed by Edward Stanford as Sole Agent in London, reflecting the celebrated cartographer's role in bringing the finest continental surveys to British travelers, military officers, and scholars. Covering a dramatic section of southeastern France, the map encompasses Albertville, Moûtiers, Aime, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Modane, and the approaches toward Briançon, documenting one of Europe's most spectacular mountain regions during the final years of the Belle Époque. Produced at a detailed scale of 1:200,000, the sheet combines exceptional topographical accuracy with elegant relief shading that vividly conveys the rugged character of the Alps. Valleys, river systems, mountain passes, forests, roads, and railways are all rendered with remarkable clarity. The Isère and Arc valleys form the principal arteries across the landscape, while the rapidly expanding railway network, highlighted in red, illustrates the growing importance of Alpine transport and tourism at the beginning of the twentieth century. The region depicted held both economic and strategic significance. Traditional trade routes over the Mont Cenis and Little Saint Bernard passes connected France with Italy and Switzerland for centuries, while new railway lines transformed the Alpine economy and facilitated military movement. Only a few years after this map was issued, many of these routes would assume renewed strategic importance during the First World War and later during the Alpine campaigns of the Second World War. Edward Stanford's London establishment enjoyed an international reputation for supplying reliable maps to explorers, diplomats, and travelers. By acting as the exclusive British distributor for official European surveys, Stanford ensured that British audiences had access to some of the most accurate geographical publications available. This example represents that tradition of precision and practicality while also offering considerable decorative appeal. Originally designed as a portable folding map, the sheet survives as an authentic working document from an era when mountain exploration, railway travel, and scientific cartography flourished simultaneously. Today it appeals to collectors of Alpine history, mountaineering, railway heritage, military cartography, and antique travel maps. The dramatic relief and intricate network of valleys make it a visually striking representation of the French Alps before the modern age of highways, ski resorts, and large-scale development. The framed illustrations used in our presentations are intended solely as display inspiration. This map is offered and sold unframed in its original antique condition. Condition Report: Good original antique condition, consistent with age and use. Original fold lines remain visible as issued. Light overall toning, minor handling wear, and occasional creasing associated with its intended use as a portable folding map. Small marginal imperfections may be present, but the printed image remains strong, attractive, and highly legible throughout. Framing Suggestions: This map is sold unframed. For display, we recommend professional conservation mounting with all original margins and fold lines preserved as evidence of its historical function. A dark walnut or ebonized frame complements the rich earth tones of the relief shading, while an ivory museum mat enhances the subtle coloration without distracting from the cartographic detail. UV-protective museum glass is strongly recommended. The map is particularly suited to mountain lodges, libraries, studies, ski chalets, and interiors inspired by Alpine travel and exploration. Technique: Color lithograph with relief shading on paper, issued as a folding map. Maker: Edward Stanford, Sole Agent in London, after official French cartographic sources, London, 1908. Keywords: Edward Stanford, Sole Agent London, Edward Stanford Maps, French Alps Map, Alpine Cartography, Albertville, Briançon, Moûtiers, Bourg Saint Maurice, Aime, Modane, Saint Jean de Maurienne, Tarentaise Valley, Maurienne Valley, Mont Cenis Pass, Little Saint Bernard Pass, Isère River, Arc River, Savoie, Dauphiné, Haute Alpes, Belle Époque, French Railways, Mountain Railways, Alpine Travel, Mountaineering History, Military Cartography, Topographical Map, Folding Map, France 1908, Historic Alps, Pre World War I, Original Antique Map, Decorative Wall Map, Ski Chalet Decor, Mountain Lodge Interior, Railway History, French Heritage, Collector's Cartography, Travel Memorabilia, Geographic Exploration, Unframed Original. See less