Published in 1943, this truly stunning 'Flat Earth' Azimuthal world map shows all of the various emblems and roundels of the air forces involved in World War 2.
Rather uniquely, the map was published by Alcoa, the Aluminium Company of America - because lightweight aluminium played a key part in WW2 aircraft manufacture.
This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16 inches (30x40cm), 16x20 inches (40x50cm) and 18x24 inches (45x60cm), but it looks even better when printed large. I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 160 inches (400cm) wide. Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.
The model in the listing images is holding the 24x18 inch (60x45cm) version of this map.
In addition to all the air force insignia, the map explains how map projections work (like Mercator), why great circles are important for flight, and some stuff about American aircraft and why aluminium is so great.
Oh, and the British Empire (which was rather big at the time) is all coloured a nice shade of red.
Take a look at the detailed images and try to spot your country's air force! Feel free to message me if you want to confirm if a certain country or emblem is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, housewarming or Christmas gift for someone interested in World War 2 or the history of flight.
You can order the map itself, or you can order a framed version. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that really makes the map pop out when on a wall. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame. I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) in my frames - it's less reflective than glass and better for transport.
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.