Pair of Monumental National Air Map Company Manhattan Aerial Photo Maps, 1955

A monumental and rare circa 1955 framed two-piece aerial photographic map of the borough of Manhattan in New York City by the National Air Map Company, including its original cover sheet. Titled “Postal Zone Guide of New York – Borough of Manhattan”, these highly detailed aerial photo maps allow one to clearly discern a myriad of New York City landmarks. A small sampling of those labeled include Central Park, Grand Central Station, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, UN Plaza, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Hayden Planetarium. Neighborhoods, streets, bridges, subway lines, rivers, docks, and other notable locations are labeled, with unlabeled yet iconic spots such as the Guggenheim Museum and the Empire State Building providing a great opportunity for a borough-wide cartographic Easter egg hunt. A quadrant-based index on the left side of each map lists streets, museums, and sport centers such as Yankee Stadium, Ebbets Field, and Madison Square Garden. Includes its original cover sheet titled “Aerial Photo Map of New York City” with photo, size, and price details on the front, and a business directory and advertisement for the National Air Map Company’s services on the back. According to a sold listing on the website of rare map dealer Geographicus—which provides some great geographical and historical context—the only other known example of this pair of maps can be found in the collection of Columbia University in New York City. Our extensive research has found no other examples that include the original cover sheet, making this complete three-piece set exceptionally rare. Presented in newer custom wood frames with satin black finish and acrylic glazing. Dimensions overall; Height: 47.75 in Width: 33.25 in Depth: 1.5 in Sight is H 44.38 in. x W 30 in.