Catalog Archive
Auction 180, Lot 25

Propaganda Map Promoting US Military Aviation During WWII

"Wings Over the World... Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Aviation Cavalcade by Albert Richard Sportswear",

Subject: World, World War II

Period: 1944 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Printed Color

Size:
21.6 x 16.6 inches
54.9 x 42.2 cm
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This dynamic map touting the United States' prowess and technological advances in aviation was created as an advertisement for Albert Richard, a manufacturer of men's sportswear. Created by F. E. Cheeseman, the sheet is filled with about a dozen different elements that explore the past, present and future of aviation, with the United States clearly leading the way. The present is demonstrated by a globe in an azimuthal equidistant projection centered on the North Pole on which 9 different flying routes (mostly originating in New York) are illustrated. A table within the Indian Ocean shows how "tomorrow's time," in terms of flight hours, will be cut in half from "today's time" for the 9 routes. The globe is surrounded by images of US aircraft used during World War II, including the North American P-51 Mustang, Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, and Consolidated B-24 Liberator. Other imagery focuses on the present, including a portrait of Henry H. Arnold, Commanding General of the Army Air Forces, US medals and military insignia, a dictionary of aviation terms, and the wing tip insignia of the countries within the United Nations.

Aviation's history is summarized in six key events illustrated below the title, including the Wright Brothers' first flight in 1903 and the first round-the-world flight in 1924. The future of aviation is shown at right with the "Skyway of Tomorrow," in which cars will have detachable wings so that they can convert from roadways to airways and "flying freight trains will transport cargo across the U.S. in a few hours at low cost." On verso is an advertisement for Milwaukee-based Albert Richard's coats, jackets, gloves and mittens for both men and boys. Albert Richard also published a series of football-themed advertisements, also designed by F. E. Cheeseman.

References:

Condition: B+

A bright, clean example, issued folding with a couple of tiny fold separations and one small hole at a fold intersection at left. There are small pinholes in the far corners of the map.

Estimate: $1,500 - $1,800

Unsold

Closed on 11/18/2020

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