Vintage 1950s U.N. GRAM Educational Poster - A New Kind of World Map (Polar Projection)
U.N. GRAM / The U.N. Gram Publishing Company, Inc. · Collectibles & Antiques > Maps & Atlases > Vintage World Maps
Era / Decade
Mid-1950s (circa 1952–1955). Text explicitly mentions Scandinavian Airlines System's polar flight on November 20, 1952.
Material
Printed offset ink on mid-weight vintage paper stock.
Condition
Fair to Poor. Significant wear along edges including tears, creasing, fold lines, discoloration, and a prominent tear/loss along the left edge margin.
Demand Level
Niche to Moderate. Appeals strongly to vintage map collectors, aviation history enthusiasts, Mid-Century Modern decorators, and geography teachers.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$15.00 - $35.00 (as-is condition); up to $50.00+ if professionally flattened and framed.
Estimated Retail Value
$5.00 - $10.00 (original historical price was under $1.00 as a classroom study chart).
Comparable Sales
Similar 1950s school chart maps sell between $20.00 and $45.00 on eBay and Etsy depending on condition; pristine framed examples can reach $60.00–$80.00.
Description
Authentic vintage 1950s educational classroom poster chart titled 'A NEW KIND OF WORLD MAP' published by U.N. GRAM Publishing Co. Features an unusual polar projection centered on the North Pole highlighting early trans-polar commercial air routes established by Scandinavian Air Lines in late 1952. Includes inset illustrations of Mercator and Globular projections, black-and-white photos of a 1950s airliner and students examining a globe, and explanatory text.
Key Features
Rare cold-war era aviation history map; unique polar projection artwork; Mid-Century Modern graphic layout and dual-tone blue/orange typography; vintage mid-century educational piece suitable for framing.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. Authentic period typography, vintage offset printing dot patterns, paper aging consistent with 1950s newsprint/poster stock, publisher credit 'The U.N. Gram Publishing Co., Inc., New York'.
Flaws to Note
Heavy paper wear, significant tear and creasing on the left side, horizontal fold marks from being folded originally, edge fraying, minor staining/yellowing along edges.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Etsy (best for mid-century paper ephemera and decor), eBay (best for map collectors/aviation history), or local vintage consignment.
Selling Tips
Photograph flat under good light; highlight the 1952 SAS polar flight text for keyword searchability; list as 'Mid-Century Modern Wall Art Paper Ephemera'; ship rolled in a sturdy tube or flat between heavy cardboard.