Cram's "Railroads of Illinois" Paper on Linen Wall Map 39" x 48" with Ultra Rare Original Case. This is an amazing rarity with quite a history. It is a 1909 Cram's Railroads of Illinois Map---but not just one of their smaller paper ones! This map is the large 39" x 48" wall model, printed on paper and affixed to linen. Amazingly, it is still in its ORIGINAL CASE!!! This is the kind of map like what you may remember from school---like what your teachers hung above the blackboard and pulled down on a string, and could then have it retract when done. In our almost 40 years in railroad artifacts, we have only seen one other map like this, a later model Wisconsin map from the teens, and it was without the original case. It sold at an auction for over $1,000. When we contacted two of the leading vintage map dealers in the USA for their opinions about the value and condition, both agreed that they would sell it for between $750 and $2,500 in their stores. Both were flabbergasted that the map had its original wooden case. None of us had ever seen one of these maps with the case---they are usually destroyed and long gone. The bottom of the map is affixed to a dowel, which fits perfectly at the edge of the case as the case closes. The map can be removed from the case easily as there is an open slot for one of the pegs on one side. It is in excellent condition for a 112 year old item, with the exception of the area at the bottom six inches or so of the map, as seen in the photos. It is here that there is a fold, a tear, and fraying where the map is attached to the dowel. This is probably due to all of the years of pulling it down out of its box and retracting it after use. However, with care, it pulls open easily. This could be repaired by a professional. The map is in FULL COLOR, and as you can see, the colors are VERY VIBRANT and not faded. This is an absolutely amazing specimen that any railroader would be proud to own and display! There is a tear on map on lower center.

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