Rand-McNally "The Rand-McNally Vest Pocket Map of Montana"

"The Rand-McNally Vest Pocket Map of Montana".

Chicago: Rand, McNally & Co., 1919. 18 3/4 x 25 1/2. Separately issued folding map, with original paper covers and advertising. Cerograph. Full original color. Full margins. Repaired tear along one fold. Otherwise, excellent condition.  

An early twentieth century map from the Rand, McNally & Co. firm primarily out of Chicago, a company that would shift the center of cartographic publishing from the east coast to the mid-west. This is a "vest pocket map" meant to be sold to travelers, as indicated by the advertisements for Chicago and New York businesses. The map has impressive topographical and transportation detail and it is essentially the same map as was issued in the Rand McNally New Commercial Atlas, but modified to be of more use to travelers. In particular, the railroads, electric lines, and combined steam and electric lines are identified by the use of red stamped numbers explained in a key in the lower right and the small size made the map most useful to put in one's vest pocket.