Rare Old Physical World Map by G Pohlmann, 1950: Educational Lecture Hall Chart

This 1950 world map by G. Pohlmann captures a world in the midst of significant change. World War II had recently ended, and the Cold War was beginning to heat up. The decolonization of Africa and Asia was underway, and the United Nations was just getting started. The map shows the major political boundaries of the time, as well as the locations of major cities, rivers, and mountains. It is a fascinating document that provides a glimpse into the world as it was on the cusp of a new era.

The map is dominated by the large landmasses of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Americas are shown in the lower left corner, and Australia is shown in the lower right corner. The map is centered on the Greenwich meridian, and the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn are marked. The map also shows the major ocean currents, as well as the locations of major mountain ranges and deserts. The artistic style of the map is typical of the time, with a focus on accuracy and detail. The map is projected using the Mercator projection, which is a cylindrical projection that preserves the shapes of landmasses but distorts their size.

This map is interesting for several reasons. First, it provides a snapshot of the world at a time of great change. The end of World War II had ushered in a new era of peace and prosperity, but the Cold War was beginning to cast a shadow over the world. The decolonization of Africa and Asia was also underway, and the United Nations was just getting started. This map shows the world on the cusp of a new era.

Second, this map is interesting because it is a beautiful example of cartography. The map is highly detailed and accurate, and the artistic style is pleasing to the eye.

Finally, this map is interesting because it is a valuable resource for historians and geographers. The map provides a wealth of information about the world as it was in 1950.

These significant locations are included on this map:

• North America
• South America
• Europe
• Africa
• Asia
• Australia
• Antarctica

Interesting facts about the cartographer, G Pohlmann:

• G Pohlmann was a German cartographer who worked for the National Geographic Society
• He was known for his detailed and accurate maps
• He was also a prolific author and lecturer

Interesting historical or physical features shown by this map:

• The map shows the world as it was in 1950
• The map shows the major political divisions of the world at the time
• The map also shows the major physical features of the world, such as mountains, rivers, and oceans

Additional information about the map's cartographic style or projection:

• The map is a Mercator projection
• This projection is known for its accuracy in depicting shapes and areas
• However, it can distort the size of objects near the poles

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 all sizes: 18x12in (46x30.5cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x36in (61x91.5cm), 30x45in (76x114.5cm), 33x50in (84x127cm), 40x60in (102x153cm) and 47x70in (120x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 100in (254cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (61x91.5cm) version of this map.

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

The labels on this map are very small at 24x36in (61x91.5cm). The map is still very attractive, but you may struggle to read the smallest letters. Please buy a larger map if it's important to be able to read the map easily.

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.