Catalog Archive
Auction 174, Lot 61

"Germany's Critical Minerals"

Subject: Cartographic Miscellany, World War II, Germany

Period: 1945 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Printed Color

Size:
41 x 30.5 inches
104.1 x 77.5 cm
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This unusual, three-dimensional map of Germany was based upon a smaller map by Jerry Muscott that was published in the April 2, 1945 issue of Life Magazine. It presents a picture of Germany's mineral consumption on the eve of World War II (1939). Inside the borders are the quantities of each mineral available within Germany, while the amounts outside its boundaries represent imports. Some minerals, like mica and mercury, were entirely unavailable in Germany. The image clearly conveys that Germany was reliant on the rest of the world to prepare for war. The text below, however, states that mineral control was unfeasible in this circumstance due to the availability of resources in neighboring countries and substitute metals. A fascinating piece.

References:

Condition: A

Issued folding with a hint of toning along a few folds and a couple of tiny splits at fold intersections.

Estimate: $180 - $220

Sold for: $100

Closed on 9/11/2019

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