48 hours, 2,000 miles (4,000 miles round-trip), 4 cups of coffee, and the Quest for the Infamous Heinz Map


My Quest for the Infamous Heinz Map started just before a full moon, and ended on Friday the 13th. I found the Map listed for sale by an Antique Trader in a very unlikely place, I couldn't believe my eyes. I immediately called a professional, who I liken to "Wolf" (the Harvey Keitel character from Pulp Fiction)- aka Mark Finn, who was kind enough to verify the Map was authentic. 24 hrs after finding the Map, and a lengthy discussion with Mr. Finn, I decided to pull the trigger. I had some serious reservations about the transaction, due to the nature of the posting. Knowing my family and co-workers would consider me a solid candidate for the insane asylum, I did not bother to tell anyone (home or work) exactly where I was heading off to, except for Mr. Finn - who I entrusted with a non-descript 800 number and a secret PIN code if he didn't hear from me within 48 hours (I think we both thought that was a possibility). No eBay, No Paypal, No checks, no money orders - cash only (and cash only in-person).

After 2,000 miles (one-way) and within 24 hrs of pulling the trigger (a total of 48hrs from seeing the posting) I had the Heinz Map in my hands. The fellow selling the Map was pleasant, and the transaction went smoothly. The Map is for the kids, and I hope they enjoy it. I had the Map shipped out ASAP, and headed back home. I was a little out of my comfort zone traveling half way across the United States on this quest, but I think I came out OK. When I arrived back in town the next evening, I fired up the convertible, dropped the top, hit the maximum legal speed limit, and turned up Sam Cooke - and life was good.

The Map isn't perfect, and has some flaws, but looks pretty decent. I won't say right now where I found the Map, or how much I paid. Perhaps if you find Mr. Finn at a trade show, buy him two or three beers, he might tell you. I will tell you this, as Richard L said in a previous post - "...someone got very lucky"

I didn't think I'd ever own a Map - and it is a pleasure to have one. I can't decide If I'll have it restored (put on linen)- I'll think about that another day.

I couldn't decide what picture of the Map to attach - here are a couple (the Map is shielded in plastic wrap). My good friend Anjanette Gamez agreed to assist me..many thanks for her help.... allen mchenry houston texas

Allen,
Congrats and great story. Other members are probably wondering about the attractive Heinz model

What a delightful,self indulgent,impulsive,secretive strange trip! So neat to share with us. Great Pick up,great post. Thanks

Richard: Are you a Mind Reader?


"Showin the love since 1966"

just terrific! with all the people out there trying to uncover the next rare item to resell, you should be thrilled with yourself. its really really difficult to "find" great deals. you certainly spent some coin on the traveling expenses. super item to go with your set. i am happy for you

a very nice share. Thanks.....

SWEET!

Great story! Hard to concentrate on the map though.

Dan, The Map is the standard size (the size previously found).

Dan/Richard/Charley/Rand/Todd/Mr.Moses/Chuck/Rick/Jim I appreciate your kind words. I would not have obtained the Map without first talking to Mr. Finn, who was kind enough to "watch out for me" on this one...I really appreciate (and am quite humbled)with the knowledge and helpful nature of the Membership of this Board...the collective grey-matter of the Board is simply amazing.

Chuck, In Texas it is difficult to find cards/items (as discussed in a previous post), but Texas is known for good Bar-b-que, Willie Nelson, the Longhorns, the Austin Music Scene (6th street), excellent Tex-Mex food, and Eva Longoria (or good friends who are willing to drop everything for a quick photo-op, i.e. everyday-nice-folks-who-help-without-blinking-an-eye)

Simply spectacular. I have quite a few 1930s premium maps, but none remotely approach the beauty of this one. Congratulations!

Now we know the correct way to display the Heinz map.