Rare Old American Occupation of Germany Map by Desch, 1948: WW2, Munich, Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Heidelberg

Step into the rich tapestry of post-World War II Germany with this exquisite pictorial map of Bavaria, Hesse, and Wurtemberg-Baden, crafted by the renowned Kurt Desch in 1948. This map is a vivid portrayal of the American occupation zones, intricately detailing the cultural, industrial, and natural landscapes of the region. Each city is adorned with its coat of arms, while landmarks, roads, and significant buildings are beautifully illustrated, providing a snapshot of a pivotal moment in history. The map not only serves as a geographical guide but also as a historical document, capturing the essence of a nation in transition.

The map is a testament to the resilience and recovery of Germany after the devastation of World War II. It highlights major cities such as Munich, Nuremberg, and Stuttgart, each depicted with meticulous detail and historical significance. These cities, along with others like Frankfurt and Heidelberg, are shown as vibrant hubs of culture and industry, reflecting their roles in the post-war reconstruction efforts. The inclusion of agricultural products, wildlife, and industrial sites offers a comprehensive view of the region's economic landscape during the American occupation.

One of the most striking features of this map is its artistic representation of local customs, traditional attire, and festivals. These illustrations provide a glimpse into the daily lives and cultural heritage of the people in Bavaria, Hesse, and Wurtemberg-Baden. The map also highlights significant routes and trails, military installations, and camps, underscoring the strategic importance of these regions during the occupation. This blend of cultural and military elements makes the map a unique artifact of historical and educational value.

The map's design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with detailed depictions of rivers, waterways, forested areas, and mountainous regions. It serves as a visual journey through the diverse landscapes of southern Germany, from the bustling marketplaces and public squares to the serene countryside and historic castles. The artistic illustrations of local flora and fauna further enhance the map's appeal, making it a captivating piece for collectors and history enthusiasts alike.

This historically informative map is not just a cartographic representation but a narrative of a nation rebuilding itself. It captures the spirit of resilience and hope that defined Germany in the late 1940s. Whether you are a collector of historical maps, a student of history, or simply someone who appreciates fine art, this map offers a unique window into a significant period in German history. It is a timeless piece that celebrates the rich heritage and enduring spirit of Bavaria, Hesse, and Wurtemberg-Baden.

Places on this map

• Munich
• Nuremberg
• Stuttgart
• Frankfurt
• Würzburg
• Heidelberg
• Karlsruhe
• Augsburg
• Ulm
• Regensburg
• Freiburg
• Mannheim
• Darmstadt
• Pforzheim
• Schwäbisch Hall
• Heilbronn
• Aschaffenburg
• Bamberg
• Coburg
• Ingolstadt

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Major cities with their coat of arms
• Illustrations of significant buildings and landmarks
• Detailed road networks and transportation routes
• Depictions of wildlife native to the region
• Agricultural products and areas of cultivation
• Industrial sites and notable factories
• Historic landmarks and sites of interest
• Illustrations of local customs and traditional attire
• Military installations and camps
• Rivers and waterways
• Forested and mountainous areas
• Cultural symbols and icons
• Artistic representations of local festivals and events
• Geographic features like hills and valleys
• Historical events and significant battles
• Depictions of local crafts and industries
• Illustrations of regional flora and fauna
• Significant routes and trails used during the occupation
• Important religious buildings and sites
• Educational institutions and universities
• Public squares and marketplaces
• Historic castles and fortresses
• Bridges and infrastructure
• Railways and train stations
• Coastal areas and ports
• Monuments and statues
• Traditional houses and architecture
• Local transportation methods and vehicles

Historical and design context

• This is a pictorial map in color depicting American occupation areas in Germany.
• The map features drawings of major cities, most with their coat of arms.
• It includes buildings, landmarks, roads, wildlife, agricultural products, industry, and other landmarks.
• The date of creation is estimated to be 1948.
• Crafted by Kurt Desch, a notable figure in publishing during and after World War II.
• The map highlights major cities and their coat of arms, buildings, landmarks, roads, wildlife, agricultural products, and industry.
• The map provides a detailed overview of the American occupation zones in post-World War II Germany.
• It is highly detailed and colorful, with a pictorial and thematic style.
• The design reflects the post-war period and the American occupation in Germany.
• The map represents the American occupation zones in Germany following World War II.
• It provides historical insights into the geopolitical landscape of post-war Germany.
• The map is a valuable resource for understanding the cultural and industrial aspects of the region during this period.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.