Rare Old Political World Map, 1967: Cold War Era, Detailed Political Boundaries

Crafted by the esteemed Polish Army Topography Service in 1967, this "Political - World" map offers a captivating glimpse into the geopolitical landscape of the Cold War era. Renowned for their meticulous and precise cartographic work, the Polish Army Topography Service has rendered a detailed political world map that delineates every country and capital city, along with several major cities. This map is not just a navigational tool but a historical artifact that encapsulates the intricate political boundaries and alliances that defined the mid-20th century.

The map’s creation during the Cold War period adds a layer of historical intrigue, capturing a time when the world was divided into distinct political blocs. The map showcases the geopolitical tensions and alliances of the era, making it a fascinating study for historians and enthusiasts alike. It vividly illustrates the global political boundaries, providing a visual representation of the world as it was, with the Soviet Union, the United States, and their respective allies prominently marked.

Aesthetically, the map is a testament to the high standards of cartographic design, employing the Polish Army Topographical Service cartographic Projection. This projection ensures accurate representation of the world’s topography, making it not only a functional piece but also a work of art. The use of distinct colors to delineate countries and regions enhances its visual appeal, while the inclusion of latitude and longitude lines allows for precise location referencing.

Beyond its political delineations, the map also features significant geographical elements, including major bodies of water like the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, as well as prominent mountain ranges such as the Andes, the Rocky Mountains, and the Himalayas. The inclusion of major sea, road, and rail routes further enriches its utility and historical value, providing insights into the transportation networks of the time.

This map is a window into a pivotal moment in history, offering a unique perspective on the world’s political and geographical landscape as it stood in 1967. Whether you are a collector, a history buff, or simply someone with an appreciation for fine cartography, this map is a remarkable piece that brings the past to life with unparalleled detail and artistry.

Countries and regions on this map

• Continents:
• North America
• South America
• Europe
• Africa
• Asia
• Australia
• Antarctica
• Selected countries and regions:
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Brazil
• Argentina
• United Kingdom
• France
• Germany
• Soviet Union (USSR)
• China
• India
• Australia
• Egypt
• South Africa
• Japan
• Indonesia
• Saudi Arabia
• Iran
• Turkey
• Many other countries and regions as they were recognized in 1967

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Bodies of water:
• Pacific Ocean
• Atlantic Ocean
• Indian Ocean
• Arctic Ocean
• Southern Ocean
• Mountain ranges:
• The Andes
• The Rocky Mountains
• The Himalayas
• The Alps
• The Ural Mountains
• Sea, road, and rail routes:
• Major sea routes are indicated.
• Some major rail routes are shown.
• Important road routes are marked.
• Other interesting features:
• The map includes latitude and longitude lines for precise location referencing.
• Annotations regarding political boundaries and territories, such as disputed areas.
• Historical notes on territorial changes and boundaries as of 1967.

Historical and design context

• Mapmaker or publisher: Polish Army Topography Service
• Interesting context about the mapmaker: The Polish Army Topography Service is known for its detailed and accurate cartographic work, often used for military and strategic purposes.
• When the map was made: 1967
• Design or style of the map: The map uses clear, distinct colors to delineate countries and regions. The projection is specifically designed for accurate topographical representation.
• Historical significance or context of the map: This map captures the political boundaries and geopolitical context of the world during the Cold War, providing insights into the political divisions and alliances of that era.
• Projection used: Polish Army Topographical Service cartographic Projection.

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 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) 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.