Ernest Clegg's 1928 masterpiece, "Composite Map: Firestone Reaches Around the World to Give Most Miles per Dollar," is a captivating blend of thematic and pictorial cartography. Created as an advertisement for Firestone tires, this map was published in the December 1928 issue of The Country Gentleman. It vividly illustrates the global reach and economic value of Firestone's products, emphasizing the company's extensive distribution network and commitment to providing the best mileage per dollar. This map is not just a geographical representation but a testament to the industrial optimism and commercial expansion of the late 1920s.

Clegg, renowned for his detailed and artistic cartographic works, masterfully combines informative content with visually appealing artwork in this map. His ability to blend thematic elements with pictorial illustrations makes this piece a unique artifact of early 20th-century advertising. The map features various industrial scenes, such as factories and plantations, highlighting Firestone's operations worldwide. It serves as a historical document, reflecting the era's technological advancements and the global ambitions of American companies.

The design of the map is both decorative and functional, with artistic embellishments that draw the viewer's eye. A decorative compass rose, the Firestone logo, and floral motifs adorn the map, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The cartographic projection used provides a comprehensive view of the world, showcasing continents, countries, and major bodies of water. The Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans are prominently featured, along with the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, emphasizing the global nature of Firestone's reach.

Sea routes connecting different continents and regions are meticulously depicted, illustrating the extensive distribution network that Firestone had established by 1928. These routes symbolize the company's commitment to delivering quality products worldwide, reinforcing the map's central theme of economic efficiency and global presence. Historical notes and annotations provide additional context, offering insights into Firestone's operations and the broader industrial landscape of the time.

This map is not only a valuable historical artifact but also a piece of art that captures the spirit of an era. It reflects the industrial and commercial optimism of the late 1920s, just before the onset of the Great Depression. The map's detailed illustrations, decorative elements, and thematic focus make it a fascinating addition to any collection, offering a glimpse into the past and the ambitious vision of one of America's iconic companies.

Countries and regions on this map

• Continents:
• North America
• Europe
• Asia
• Africa
• Australia
• Countries and regions:
• United States
• Mexico
• Cuba
• Jamaica
• Haiti
• Great Britain
• France
• Spain
• Russia
• Siberia
• China
• India
• Liberia
• Dutch East Indies (including Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and Malay Peninsula)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Smaller inset maps or additional illustrations:
• Illustrations of industrial scenes, such as factories and plantations.
• Decorative compass rose.
• Firestone logo.
• Bodies of water:
• Pacific Ocean
• Atlantic Ocean
• Indian Ocean
• Gulf of Mexico
• Caribbean Sea
• Sea, road, and rail routes:
• Various sea routes are depicted, connecting different continents and regions.
• Other interesting features:
• Historical notes and annotations about Firestone's operations and distribution.
• Illustrations of ships and transportation methods.
• Decorative borders and floral motifs.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Composite Map: Firestone Reaches Around the World to Give Most Miles per Dollar.
• Date created: 1928
• Mapmaker or publisher: Ernest Clegg
• Interesting context about the mapmaker: Ernest Clegg was known for his detailed and artistic cartographic works, often blending thematic and pictorial elements.
• Topics and themes:
• The map highlights the global reach and efficiency of Firestone tires.
• It emphasizes the economic value ("Most Miles per Dollar") and the extensive distribution network of Firestone.
• Thematic focus on transportation and industrial progress.
• Design or style context:
• The map is highly decorative, with pictorial elements illustrating various regions.
• It includes artistic embellishments such as compasses, banners, and illustrations of industrial scenes.
• The style is indicative of early 20th-century advertising, blending informative content with visually appealing artwork.
• Historical significance:
• The map reflects the industrial and commercial optimism of the late 1920s, shortly before the Great Depression.
• It showcases the global expansion of American companies during this period.
• It serves as an example of how cartography was used in advertising to convey corporate messages and brand identity.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.

Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.

We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.

• We can deliver directly to the recipient
• Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
• Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
• Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
• 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide

If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.

Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.

We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.

Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.

Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.

Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.

If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.

Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.

Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.

Read our full delivery and local production guide

Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.

We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.

Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.

Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.

All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.

If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.