FAQ
Do you need help navigating our website? The most frequently asked questions and their answers are provided here. Check out the below FAQ or the topics in the left column or above dropdown when you are browsing on a mobile phone.
Do you offer Certificates of Authenticity ?
Yes. We provide a certificate by default with every purchase. The certificate is in a PDF-format. If you prefer to receive a printed certificate, just let us know. LEARN MORE
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, bank transfers, checks in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank. LEARN MORE
How do you ship?
We usually ship flat between sturdy cardboard. Large maps are rolled and shipped in solid tubes.
Purchases from European buyers will be sold in the European VAT system and VAT is included but not reclaimable. LEARN MORE
Do you ship to all parts of the world?
Yes. We ship internationally with insured, trackable DHL Priority service. Shipments are insured for the full invoice value. LEARN MORE
What is your return policy if I am not satisfied with my purchase?
If you are not satisfied, notify us promptly and return the item in the same condition for a refund of the purchase price.
Do you provide a condition report?
We describe condition, noting issues such as toning, foxing, trimmed or extended margins, reinforced folds or repaired tears.
When no remarks are made the item has no condition issues. LEARN MORE
We provide a unique map grading system (HiBCoR) LEARN MORE
Do you color up antique maps?
Maps were initially colored for aesthetic reasons and to improve readability. Later application of color to a map originally printed in black and white, does not make it a fake. Skillfully applied modern color enhances the beauty and thus, the value of many maps.
However we do systematically color up maps. When we acquire b/w maps we keep them in their original state. LEARN MORE
Do you auction?
We are not an auction house. We buy from private collectors, dealers and pay promptly. Occasionally we accept items on consignment.
Do you offer appraisals?
We do lot make appraisals.
Do you buy?
We buy from private collectors, dealers and pay promptly. Occasionally we accept items on consignment. When you want to sell an item we can make an offer from photographs sent via the Internet. We specialize in 16th- to 19th-century maps, atlases, and globes. Medieval manuscripts and travel posters.
To sell your items you have to contact Pierre Joppen and submit an image and some general infomation. LEARN MORE
Feel free to use our AI-trained ChatBots: Mercator & Ortelius
Our AI robots, Ortelius and Mercator, are here to help you with your questions. During office hours, we also offer live support assistance.
Mercator ChatBot
Our AI-trained chatbot, Mercator, is designed to provide you with answers about purchasing at the Paulus Swaen site.
Mercator can tell you about shipping, invoicing, terms and conditions and where to find your invoice. We also offer Live Chat Support during business hours.
