Your maps are most likely backed with linen or cotton fabric. It was not
uncommon at the beginning of the last century (20th , 1900-1940's) to
re-enforce maps with this linen support, in order to reduce the chances of
tearing the paper, and to make it easier to fold and neater to store.

Carol Reid
[log in to unmask]

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).