Alan Greene and Mark van Bronkhorst's Sirenne might fit. It's based on old engraved lettering like you might see on old maps. It has three optical sizes, too.

Thanks Mark,

I'd never heard of MVB before. Chanson d�Amour and Gryphius might also work...

Any other suggestions?

Antique maps You can buy the entire CD, or individual images.

Thanks Alyce,

I have a disc with vector maps... I'm going to create my own "antique" maps.

Thanks for everyones help.

PS - Still looking for the perfect font - working with Marco Polo at the moment until I find the one.

Daniel, sounds like a interesting project. I've always liked compass roses.

Daniel,

Up yer scuppers with the "fake antique" offense, avoid anchors at all cost. Done to death.

Since this is a "one off" it is well suited for letterpress. A "one off " on a Vandercook can give you superior results without inhaling reams of paper.

I recommend fine hand made paper, or a pedigree watercolor stock. Good laundry is always important. Something acid free. Remember�no acid. Remember what happens to photographs.

Have it set by hand, or set on by Monotype.

Since you are in Melbourne talk to these fine folk.

http://home.vicnet.net.au/~typo/collect/typemach/monocomp.htm

Pick a typeface, probably Caslon Oldstyle, if they have the matrices.

http://lanstontype.com/CaslonFountEight.html

Talk to bookbinder, see what he can do with tradtional sailmaker's cloth, and twine. Avoid gold stamping.

Quarter bound with natural leather, sailmakers cloth. If your binder has a problem with it, talk to your sailmaker.

Use the right materials, keep it understated, don't take it too far, don't get corny.

I am a bit of an "old gaffer" myself. You want to hoist some sails?

http://lanstontype.com/HelsinkiShip.html
http://lanstontype.com/BowspritCanvasIron.html

If you want an Australasia flavour to your type, try some local (continent, at least) type from Jack Yan:

http://www.jyanet.com/fonts/index.html

You could even commission one if you were that way inclined ; )

kris.

M. Alyce Barker,

Those compass roses would make interesting printer's fleurons. Great find.