Business Details
50+ Years
experience
World's Largest Antique Map & Print Collection
Art Source International has been a trusted name in antique maps and prints for over 40 years. Established in 1973, we operate from a historic 110-year-old building on Boulder's Pearl Street Mall, housing 35,000 original antique maps and 7,000 antique prints. Our expertise spans centuries, offering rare cartographic materials from the 15th century to WWII-era maps, alongside Replogle Globes and historic Colorado photographs. We pride ourselves on meeting collectors worldwide, curating inventory through daily acquisitions and maintaining a meticulous 'aging' process for new acquisitions.Our business philosophy emphasizes the challenge of sourcing rare items rather than selling, reflecting our deep commitment to preserving historical artifacts. With a global customer base and a focus on education, we provide resources for new collectors and maintain transparency about market dynamics. Our team combines decades of experience with a passion for cartographic history, ensuring every transaction reflects our dedication to quality and authenticity.
Services
Antique Maps
Vintage Prints
Old Map Reproductions
Replogle Globes
Custom Framing
Historic Colorado Photos
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- 40+ years specializing in rare cartographic artifacts
- Largest online inventory of antique maps and prints
- Expert staff with global collector connections
- Custom archival framing services available
- Active participation in preserving historical materials
What people say
Exceptional collection
Knowledgeable staff
Historical authenticity
Quality framing
Global selection
Services
Antique Maps
We offer original antique maps dating from the 15th century to WWII. Our collection includes rare items like Civil War maps, world maps, and city-specific cartographic works. Each piece undergoes careful authentication and preservation to maintain historical integrity while meeting modern collector standards.
Vintage Prints
Our vintage print collection spans botanical illustrations, architectural studies, and natural history engravings. Sourced from 17th-19th century European and American printmakers, these works provide cultural insights while maintaining investment value through proper conservation techniques.
Custom Framing
Professional framing services use museum-grade materials including acid-free matting and UV-protective glass. Our certified framers specialize in conservation techniques that protect valuable documents while enhancing visual presentation for both residential and commercial settings.
Map Reproductions
High-quality reproductions of rare maps and bird's-eye views are available for educational and decorative purposes. These prints maintain original artistic details while using modern materials to ensure longevity at accessible price points for new collectors.
Historic Colorado Photos
Over 2,000 original Colorado photographs from 1865-1940 document regional history. Our collection includes works by renowned photographers like William Henry Jackson, featuring mining towns, ski resorts, and urban development across Colorado's cultural landscape.
People
George Karakehian
Owner
George Karakehian founded Art Source International 39 years ago after graduating from Colorado State University. With Armenian heritage and a business degree, he transformed a small antique print venture into the world's largest antique map collection while preserving Boulder's Pearl Street Mall history.
Questions
What types of antique maps do you specialize in?
We specialize in maps from the 15th century through WWII, including world maps, city plans, military charts, and rare manuscript maps.
Can you help locate specific antique items?
Yes, our request service helps track down specific maps or prints not currently listed online through our global dealer network.
Do you offer conservation framing services?
Yes, we provide museum-standard framing with acid-free materials and UV protection for preserving valuable documents and artwork.
Are reproduction maps available?
We offer high-quality reproductions of historic maps and bird's-eye views at accessible prices for educational and decorative use.
What Colorado historical materials do you carry?
Our Colorado collection includes over 2,000 historic photographs and maps documenting regional development from 1865-1940.
How do you authenticate antique items?
Our experts use provenance research, paper analysis, and historical comparisons to verify authenticity of all antique maps and prints.
