Lot # 43 - 2 WWII Double-Sided Silk Escape Maps - France/Germany/Italy | Aesthetic Harmony in West Seattle

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Lot # 43 - 2 WWII Double-Sided Silk Escape Maps - France/Germany/Italy

Opening Bid :	$ 5.00
Start Date/Time:	29-Sep-2026 7:00:00 AM
End Date/Time:	06-Oct-2026 7:42:00 PM
Current bid:	0
Highest bidder:	--
Bidding starts in:

Description :

These are 2 double-sided air maps soldiers used in World War II. They were often sewn into the linings of their clothing to avoid detection. Both are made of silk, but with slight differences in the fabric edging treatment and size. However, we believe both are products of the RAF which provided such maps to Allied Forces.

First map covers from the south of Britain to the north of Spain and is focused on France & neighboring territory. Coastal defense areas and boundaries between occupied/non-occupied France are noted as are transportation routes and other info which would guide a downed airman if he were behind enemy lines. Map is coded ADI Maps Air Ministry No. 7329A on the lower left and 9C on the right. (We believe this is British given the continental spellings and the fact that the British section of the map is blank so as not to reveal anything if a soldier was captured.) The verso focuses on central Europe from Amsterdam in the west to Budapest in the south. This map is cut directly from silk and is not hemmed but has a anti-fraying agent (possibly a rubber derivative) applied to it. It measures approximately 21.5" x 17.5".

Second map covers Italy, both front and back. Given there is a dearth of English on the map (either titles or spellings) we are unsure about its particular intended use. The front side portrays from the Alps to the middle of the country/Rome while the backside portrays the "boot" of Italy from Rome to Puglia with an insert of Sicily; key locales during the war for the Allies as they prepped for the invasion of the mainland after Operation Husky. Unlike the other map, this is not labeled with air defenses and appears to be more general. There is no labeling of what department it is from or code number other than J4/J3 in the corner. It is actually hemmed like a handkerchief and slightly larger than the other map measuring approximately 19.75" x 23.75".

Both are in decent vintage shape given that they were probably used by our client's father during the war (we can verify that he served the European theatre - see the induction papers in Lot #10).

See Lot #10 for additional WW2 items.

There are not too many of these around out there - we could find none for sale elsewhere at the moment as they seem to be snatched up quickly if they become available. Here are a couple of listings for more info:

Original British WWII RAF Silk Double-Sided Escape Map of Germany & Fr – International Military Antiques

44th Collectors Avenue - RAF Air Ministry No 7329A escape silk map - France Map, Escape, Silk, MI 9, Mainland Italy and Sicily, J4/J3

We did find one Italy map for sale in France:

Map, Escape, Silk, MI 9, Mainland Italy and Sicily, J4/J3

Click on Photos Below to Enlarge

Auction History

Nobody has placed bid on this auction yet.

PAYMENT DETAILS

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Pick-up information will be on the invoice e-mailed after the auction closes.All items not picked up during the designated times will be considered abandoned and may be donated or resold. When possible, and at our sole discretion, an alternate pick-up time may be arranged. If this is possible, an appropriate fee will be charged.

A 12% Buyer's Premium and Sales Tax are added to the winning bid amount when invoiced. Sales tax is waived for licensed re-sellers.

We make every effort to describe lot items as accurately as possible. Expect normal signs of wear associated with antiques, vintage, and used items. We do not list every flaw. All items are sold AS IS WHERE IS. No refunds or returns. Sound Estate Company does not guarantee the working order of any clock, watch, electronic or mechanical device. Dimensions given may be approximate.

Lot # 43 - 2 WWII Double-Sided Silk Escape Maps - France/Germany/Italy

Description :

Click on Photos Below to Enlarge

Auction History

Nobody has placed bid on this auction yet.

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