Friday Finds Vintage Edition: 1978 Vintage Wall Map

January 16, 2015

Vintage Russian Wall Map

As a tried and true junker, it's no surprise to me that vintage maps can
 be a unique alternative to more traditional wall art. And I'm sure that most
of you have seen this decorating trend on blogs and in magazines over
the past few years. Instead of using thumbtacks and a bulletin board, just find


 the perfect frame for your map and hang it, alone or with a group of other
maps, for a stunning effect. I'm absolutely in love with the idea.

For this week's Friday Finds Vintage Edition I want to share with you a really
cool vintage Russian wall map I found at Goodwill for $1.99. It's huge at
43" by 37 1/2".  It's also unique in that it's not in English. I can't say for sure,
but I'm pretty confident that it's written in Russian. 

 I mean, it IS a map of Russia, after all. 

Here is a close up of the heading on the top of the map.

Vintage Russian Wall Map

Not a clue as to what it says.

Vintage Russian Wall Map

And here is a copy of the Russian alphabet.

Russian Alphabet


 I wonder if it's worth more when it's in Russian?

There are many ways to decorate with maps. I love the look of adding
a globe collection to the mix like these homeowners did here.

wall map and globes


I can also see them hanging in a study/office. And as a home schooling mom I
can definitely see them hanging in the home classroom, wherever that may be.

As for what type of maps to hang, you can hang maps of your favorite cities or
 countries, where you got married, where you grew up....the possibilities are endless.

For example, a few years ago I shared some map wall art I created for my
husband for Valentine's Day.

DIY four map wall art

These four maps represent very special places in our lives together -- all the places
 that we've lived together since we were married, where we each grew up and where
we vacation every year with our families. I used vintage dictionary pages to make
the three hearts and the word "LOVE."
I'm so enamored with maps that I even have a "Maps" Pinterest page.

Feel free to stop by and check it out!

Russian Wall Map

My next project is finding a frame for my map. I don't want to spend a lot of money
on it, but I know that inexpensive "poster" frames are pretty boring and don't really
add any visual interest. I guess I could test my luck and look for one during my
junking excursions. But I'm afraid the chances of my finding a perfect vintage frame
for this huge map is slim to none.

What do you think?



Leave a Comment!

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

What a great find! I think it's a great idea to frame it, but you'd probably have a hard time finding one just the right size. What about splitting it up into 4 smaller frames and hang them all a few inches apart. I know you'll do something fabulous with it.

Anonymous said...

Great score! I love vintage maps and this one is a beauty! I also love using them in craft projects, like your framed piece. I like Betsy's suggestion of splitting it up. You also might find vintage trim boards to make a frame. Good luck! I know it will be fantastic whatever you decide.

Diana said...

Very fun find! I like Betsy "split-them-up" idea, too--

Sharon @ Blue Willow House said...

I love old maps and your Russian map is a great find. Can't wait to see how you display it.

mary scott said...

I had forgotten all the wonderful colors of the maps we had in our classrooms. What a find!

rush said...

I've seen some pretty huge frames at the thrift stores...y'know the kind with ugly sofa-sized prints in them. Maybe you will find one that is big enough and get some glass for it. I hope it will come along for you!

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The Speckled Hen Cottage said...

Very cool find!!! I think splitting it up is a great alternative ~ with that said, keep looking for a large frame. If it's too large just "sandwich" it between to pieces of glass and let the wall color be your "matting".

DD's Cottage said...

Great find and I bet you will find a great vintage frame for it soon. Love it!

Ivy and Elephants said...

A great find! I love all your globes, so I know you will find a fabulous way to display the map too!
Hugs, and happy new year!
Patti

the cape on the corner said...

great find! i would love to have some maps or globes...the only map i have framed is from the tour i went on around england after college. i'd love to find something vintage.
enjoy!
b

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