Catalog Archive
Auction 171, Lot 465

Elaborate, Large-Scale WWII Pictorial Map

"Nav War Map No. 3 - World War 2 in the North Sea Area", U.S. Navy Dept.

Subject: Northern Europe, World War II

Period: 1944 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Printed Color

Size:
57.3 x 38.1 inches
145.5 x 96.8 cm
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This very large pictorial map was produced by the Educational Services Section of the U.S. Navy. While it is unclear who the intended audience is, the striking map depicts a host of wartime events along with a chronological listing of key dates at right. In England, it depicts hundreds of Allied planes heading toward the Axis' strategic locations on the mainland with a note stating that "The R.A.F. And The A.A.F. Control The Industrial Heart Of Europe From England." Also highlighted is the German invasion of Norway in April of 1940 with swastikas marking the route. The seas surrounding Europe are filled with scores of planes and ships engaged in battle with notations describing the action including in large letters "Our Navy Breaks the U-Boat Scourge On The Allies' Supply Lines With Destroyers, Destroyer Escorts, And Escort Carriers." A vivid depiction of the events in the Atlantic theater of war.

This map was owned by Captain Nicholas Vytlacil (1894-1967), who commanded the Indianapolis during the American victory over the Japanese at Attu (Aleutian Islands, Alaska). Previously, Captain Vytacil commanded the Pyro, which was stationed at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked in 1941.

References: Curtis & Pedersen (War Map) pp. 188-193.

Condition: B+

Vivid color with a few tiny splits at fold intersections. There is some cello tape in the corners of the sheet from previous use that just enter the map border.

Estimate: $400 - $500

Sold for: $230

Closed on 2/6/2019

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