July 12-14, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/13/2022
This is an excellent World War II hand drawn map of XV Corps that was passed by the U.S. Army Censor and not for publication. XV Corps played a significant role during World War II, especially during the time this map was drawn, as they were one of the key army groups which took part in the breakout from Normandy during Operation Cobra. The map features the movements of the Corps, starting on August 1 1944, through August 29, 1944. What is even more interesting are the notes of the composer, who adds information regarding the advance, and at the same time, highlights enemy positions around key locations which have been cemented into American history. Some notable locations include St. Lo, where fierce fighting took place in the early summer of 1944, Caen, which needs no introduction to the airborne collector, and Mortain, which is most notable for Operation Luttich which took place between August 7-13, 1944 and was the codename for the German counter-attack during the Battle of Normandy that occurred in the vicinity of the US positions in northwestern France. Some notable units mentioned on the map are the 5th Armored Division and the 90th Infantry Division. The map ends in the upper right corner which notes the first Allied bridgehead that was established by XV Corps on August 19-20 at the Seine River. The map is labeled at the top center "Passed by U.S. Army Censor / Not For Publication" with the timespan labeled at the bottom right corner. Rivers are drawn with light blue colored pencil, movements with pencil, and notes and locations are written with ink. The map measures approximately 24" x 18". CONDITION: The map has yellowed with age and exhibits areas of loss around the edges. The right side of the map is particularly worn with visible tears and creases. There are 2 significant tears which span the length of the map which indicate the map is 3 pieces, placed together under the frame. The writing remains legible with slight fading but is incredibly well preserved. Overall good. Despite the condition this is a historically significant and rare map that depicts the early movements of the US Army as they spearheaded through France. Hand drawn maps from significant timeframes of this conflict are quite scarce and this would compliment any collection or display. JLD
Item Dimensions: 24" X 18"