Three early pocket maps showing the development of the New York subway system:

A. Map of New York City Boroughs Manhattan and Bronx, by Home Life Publishing Co., dated 1904 (7.4 x 26.2"). This is the earliest subway map that Old World Auctions has encountered (previously 1905). The base map is dated 1902, but black overprinting was applied for the transit lines to coincide with the opening of the subway in 1904. Folds into yellow paper wrappers (2.5 x 6.4"). There are no sales records for this map in the last 30 years and no examples located on OCLC. Condition: Several small fold separations have been mostly closed on verso with archival tape. Light soiling to wrappers. (B+)

B. Rapid Transit Map of Greater New York, by Ohman Map Co. Inc., circa 1929 (9.3 x 17.8"). Detailed map of the five boroughs of New York showing subway lines, elevated lines, railroads, trolleys, roads, and more. Prominently displays an advertisement for "The Seamen's Bank for Savings." Folds into tan paper wrappers (3.3 x 6.3"). Condition: A clean and colorful example. (A)

C. Rapid Transit Map of Greater New York Showing House Number at Stations, by George J. Nostrand, circa 1939 (9.1 x 16.3"). Very similar to the "B" map above with the transportation network defined by a legend at top. Includes an inset map of the region extending to New Jersey and Long Island. Folds into red paper wrappers (3.3 x 6.1"). Condition: A clean and colorful example. (A)

References:

Condition:

Issued folding. See description above for details.