Rare Old Map of the World War 1 Western Front, 1932: AEF, Hindenburg Line, Paris, Meuse-Argonne, Saint-Mihiel

Historical Context and Creation

The "Historical Map American Expeditionary Force Showing Battle Lines Base Points Communications And Allied Zones" is not merely a map, but a vivid narrative woven into the fabric of cartography by Ezra C. Stiles, a veteran of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) during World War I. Created in 1932, this map is a testament to the monumental efforts and sacrifices of the AEF, which was formed under the command of General John “Blackjack” Pershing on July 5, 1917. Stiles, who joined the war efforts as a corporal in the 44th Depot Detachment of Engineers, crafted this map as a seasoned landscape architect, embedding his direct experiences and the broader historical impact of the war into every detail.

Artistic and Thematic Elements

This thematic and pictorial map stands out for its intricate design and the depth of information it portrays about the Western Front during the Great War. The central focus is a detailed depiction of Western Europe, marked by colored lines that delineate key battle fronts such as the farthest German advance, the Hindenburg Line, and the armistice line of November 1918. Surrounding this are various inset maps that highlight significant battles and locations, including Paris and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, providing a comprehensive view of the strategic military movements and engagements.

Symbolism and Detailing

Beyond its geographic accuracy, the map is rich with symbolic elements and annotations that offer insights into the daily life and sentiments of the soldiers. Phrases like “My uncle knows a congressman” and “Bon soir mademoiselle” are scattered across the map, capturing the personal and often poignant reflections of the Doughboys. The borders of the map are embellished with the badges of the divisions and corps of the AEF, as well as standards of the combatant nations, adding layers of recognition and honor to the visual narrative.

Educational and Commemorative Value

As an educational tool, this map serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the scope and scale of the American involvement in World War I. It meticulously marks the locations of key logistical points like railways, airbases, and military hospitals, which were crucial for the operations of the AEF. The inclusion of a legend and detailed tables further enhances its utility as a historical document, enabling viewers to grasp the complexities of military strategies and the geographical spread of the war efforts.

Legacy and Significance

The creation of this map by Ezra Stiles, in collaboration with artist Paul Bowman, bridges the gap between historical documentation and artistic expression. It not only commemorates the bravery and service of the American Expeditionary Force but also stands as a significant cultural artifact that highlights the intersection of military history and cartographic artistry. For historians, military enthusiasts, and collectors alike, this map offers a unique glimpse into the past, rendered with both precision and a deep personal connection to the events it depicts.

Places on this map

• Paris
• London
• Berlin
• Rome
• Brussels
• Amsterdam
• Bern

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Shows the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) in France during World War I.
• Depicts major battles and campaigns of the AEF, including the Battle of the Marne, the Battle of Saint-Mihiel, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
• Highlights major cities and towns in France important to the AEF, such as Verdun and Metz.
• Includes a legend explaining the symbols and colors used on the map.
• Features a table showing the high points of the war on the Western Front.

Historical and Design Context

• Created by Ezra C. Stiles, a veteran of the American Expeditionary Force, and Paul Bowman, an American artist and illustrator.
• Thematic and pictorial map focusing on the battle lines, base points, communications, and allied zones of the AEF during World War I.
• Includes detailed inset maps of Paris, the Atlantic Basin, the Saint Mihiel Salient, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
• Designed to visually represent the American Expeditionary Force's contribution to the Allied victory in World War I.
• Features phrases scattered throughout capturing the shared experience of the Doughboys, such as “My uncle knows a congressman” and “When do we eat[?]”.

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 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 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.