A rare 1945 Singapore map made of rayon is currently on sale for S$4,000 [1] at an antique bookstore in the Bras Basah Complex.
The item represents a significant piece of wartime provenance, highlighting the transition of Singapore's geography and administration at the end of the Second World War. Such artifacts are rare in the private market, making the map a focal point for historians and collectors of Southeast Asian ephemera.
The bookstore is owned by Peter Mason, who opened the establishment in 2024 [3]. The shop specializes in rare historical items and vintage collectibles. In addition to the 1945 map [2], the inventory includes other rare finds, such as a vintage cookbook.
According to the listing, the high price point of S$4,000 [1] is justified by the map's rarity and the specific materials used in its production. The use of rayon, a semi-synthetic fiber, was common for certain types of durable maps during the mid-20th century, which adds to the item's physical and historical value.
Located within the Bras Basah Complex, the shop serves as a hub for those seeking tangible links to Singapore's past. The collection reflects a broader interest in the city-state's colonial and post-war evolution through the preservation of printed materials.
The map remains available for purchase at the shop, where Mason said he continues to curate items that document the region's complex history.
“A 1945 Singapore map made of rayon, priced at S$4,000”
The availability of such a specific artifact in a commercial setting underscores the growing market for wartime memorabilia in Singapore. As the city-state continues to modernize, the valuation of physical documents from the 1940s increases, reflecting a desire to preserve national identity through the acquisition of rare, tangible historical records.
