Old Map of the East Indies by Stanford, 1926: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Railways

The "East Indies" map, crafted by the renowned Edward Stanford Ltd. in 1926, is a captivating glimpse into the geopolitical and geographical landscapes of Southeast Asia during the early 20th century. This map, part of Stanford's prestigious London atlas of universal geography, reflects the meticulous craftsmanship and cartographic expertise that Edward Stanford Ltd. was celebrated for. The map beautifully delineates the political boundaries of the time, offering a historical snapshot of regions that include modern-day Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Timor-Leste, and the Philippines, as well as parts of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Edward Stanford Ltd., established in 1854, was a pioneer in the field of map-making. The company's acquisition of John Arrowsmith's stock and copyright in 1873 allowed them to continue a legacy of precision and detail. This map is a testament to their dedication to updating and enhancing geographic resources, showcasing advancements in cartographic techniques. The "Whitehall" edition of the atlas, to which this map belongs, represents the evolution of geographic understanding and the importance of maps in navigating political and cultural landscapes.

The map's intricate design includes a wealth of information, from political boundaries and cities to topographical features and natural landmarks. Notable bodies of water such as the Java Sea, South China Sea, Celebes Sea, and Banda Sea are elegantly illustrated, alongside significant geographic features like the Gulf of Siam. The relief of the terrain is artfully depicted using hachures, adding depth and dimension to the visual representation, while railways and submarine telegraph cables highlight the era's infrastructural advancements.

This map also serves as a historical document, marking the locations of prominent cities and towns such as Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Bangkok. Each city is a testament to the vibrant cultural and economic hubs that have shaped the region's history. The map captures the essence of these locales, offering a window into their past and their significance in the broader geopolitical landscape of the East Indies.

The "East Indies" map is more than just a cartographic artifact; it is a piece of history that invites exploration and discovery. It offers a rich tapestry of information, from the detailed depiction of coastlines and islands to the careful illustration of political borders and natural features. This map is a perfect addition for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the artistry and historical significance of early 20th-century cartography.

Cities and towns on this map

• Indonesia:
• Jakarta
• Surabaya
• Bandung

• Medan

• Malaysia:

• Kuala Lumpur

• George Town

• Philippines:

• Manila
• Cebu City

• Davao City

• Thailand:

• Bangkok

• Vietnam:

• Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

• Singapore:

• Singapore

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Bodies of Water:
• Java Sea
• South China Sea
• Celebes Sea
• Banda Sea

• Gulf of Siam

• Borders:

• Political boundaries of the time

• Mountains:

• Illustrated with hachures for relief

• Other features:

• Railways
• Submarine telegraph cables
• Coastlines and islands

Historical and design context

• Mapmaker/Publisher: Edward Stanford Ltd., established in 1854
• Date created: 1926
• Part of: Stanford's London atlas of universal geography, "Whitehall" edition
• Design/Style:
• Colored lithograph with a legend, latitudinal and longitudinal lines, and bar scales in miles and kilometers
• Historical significance:
• Reflects advancements in map-making and the importance of geography in understanding political and cultural landscapes of the early 20th century

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.