Fantasy Style Post-WW2 German World Map by Wommelsdorff, 1950

Step into the vibrant world of post-war cartography with Otto Wommelsdorff’s “Diese Weltkarte zeigt die Arbeit des Menschen und die Schätze und Wirtschaftsgüter der Erde,” a masterful pictorial map from circa 1950. Created in the wake of World War II, this map is a testament to the era’s renewed focus on global economic recovery and interconnectedness. Wommelsdorff’s vision is brought to life through intricate illustrations that celebrate the “work of man” and the bountiful “treasures and economic goods of the earth,” offering a captivating window into the hopes and priorities of a world rebuilding itself.

This map is not merely a geographic representation; it is a visual chronicle of mid-20th-century industry, trade, and culture. Every continent is adorned with detailed depictions of economic activities, from the bustling railways and shipping lanes that connected nations, to the specific resources—grain, rice, wool, cotton, and minerals—that fueled the world’s recovery. The careful labeling of cities and commodities provides a nuanced understanding of global supply chains and economic hotspots during a pivotal moment in history.

What truly sets this map apart is its celebration of cultural diversity and human endeavor. Scenes of indigenous communities traversing the Arctic with sled dogs, caravans crossing the North African deserts, and cowboys riding across the Texas plains are rendered with both artistry and respect. These vignettes highlight the varied ways in which people interacted with their environments and contributed to the global economy, making the map as much an ethnographic document as an economic one.

The map’s design is both sophisticated and inviting, with a restrained yet vibrant color palette that brings mountains, rivers, and lush vegetation to life. The use of the southern oceans to illustrate additional resources is a clever cartographic choice, maximizing both aesthetic appeal and informational content. Only Russia and Norway are singled out as individual countries, a subtle nod to their unique economic roles in the early 1950s, while other regions are depicted in broader strokes, emphasizing global rather than national perspectives.

Historically, this map stands as a rare artifact of its time—one that bridges the devastation of war with the optimism of reconstruction. It addresses the urgent questions of its era: the sufficiency of food supplies, the future of essential materials, and the interconnected fate of nations. Few copies of this remarkable map have survived, making it a coveted piece for collectors and historians alike. It offers not only a snapshot of mid-century economic geography but also a lasting tribute to human resilience and ingenuity.

Places on this map

• Russia
• Norway
• Texas (USA)
• North Africa (Sahara Desert region)
• Arctic regions
• Australia
• India
• China
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Canada
• United States
• Mexico
• Egypt
• South Africa
• Japan
• United Kingdom
• Germany (Central Europe)
• Indonesia (Dutch East Indies)
• Middle East (Arabian Peninsula region)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Detailed illustrations of global economic goods and resources (e.g., cotton, grain, rice, wool, minerals)
• Depictions of indigenous lifestyles (e.g., sled dogs in Arctic regions, camel caravans in North Africa, cowboys in Texas)
• Major transportation routes, especially shipping lanes and railway lines
• Clearly illustrated climate zones (mountains, rivers, vegetation)
• Oceans south of the equator used for additional resource illustrations
• Subtle yet clear labeling of major cities and raw materials
• Illustrations of agricultural and industrial activities globally
• Depictions of animals and plants relevant to specific regions
• Visual emphasis on global trade connections and economic interdependence

Historical and design context

• Created by Otto Wommelsdorff circa 1950, in post-war Germany
• Published by Graphische Kunstanstalt Eckert GmbH & Co., Augsburg
• Reflects post-war economic recovery and global economic interests
• Large-format pictorial thematic map with sophisticated and detailed illustrations
• Celebrates global economic activity, resources, and production sites
• Focuses on transportation of the era: predominantly railways and ships
• Only Russia and Norway are specifically labeled as individual countries, highlighting their economic significance
• Rare artifact, with few known copies, mostly in German libraries
• Provides a snapshot of human endeavor and resources in the mid-20th century

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 100in (250cm). 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 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

This map is wider than most maps, which would make it a perfect statement piece above a mantelpiece, sofa or desk.

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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my 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 order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

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

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

Almost all of my maps and art prints 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.