1930 Map of Peking
Map of Peking | The American Express Co., Inc. Grand Hotel des Wagon-Lits
By: Anonymous
Date: 1930 (circa) Beijing
Dimensions: 27.5 x 19 inches (70 x 48.25 cm)
An iconic traveler's map of Peking, China with Chinese and English text, issued for the international tourist and businessman of the 1930s. The map serves as an important piece of history in the development of modern travel and international lines of credit under the company now recognized around the world, American Express.
This map was originally issued folding and came in a protective sleeve. It is color coded mostly by civilian demographics with the northern portion (Yellow) labeled Tartar City and the southern portion (Pink) labeled Chinese City. The Imperial and Forbidden City in center are colored Orange, an area known as the Legation district comprised of international diplomatic ministries is colored Purple, and a Peach color is used to distinguish the Temple of Agriculture and the Temple of Heaven.
The map is highly detailed as it not only shows streets, canals, and lakes but also the general shape of every building and in some cases, the interior structure. Place names are given in Chinese (black) and in English phonetics (red) with several English translations. Featured in the title and within the map is the Wagons-Lits Hotel that also houses the American Express Office. The Grand Hotel des Wagons Lits was built in 1905 by the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, a luxury sleeping car train service that needed to provide suitable accommodations for arriving passengers.
American Express: From Freight Forwarding to a Trusted Travel Partner.
Established in 1850 as a freight forwarding enterprise, the company diversified its offerings by introducing financial and travel services in the early 1900s. By 1915, American Express had formed a dedicated travel division and inaugurated its initial travel agency. The introduction of traveler's cheques solidified American Express's status as a truly global entity. During the onset of World War I in 1914, the company's European branch distinguished itself by honoring the letters of credit held by Americans in Europe, a rare practice at the time. Over the years, American Express continued to broaden its service portfolio, gaining global recognition as a reputable credit issuer for travelers worldwide.
Condition: Map is in B+ condition issued folded now flat and linen backed fro preservation and presentation purposes. Small tears have been closed and a few minor areas of loss have been filled in.
Inventory #12707
1200 W. 35th Street #425 Chicago, IL 60609 | P: (312) 496 - 3622