Description:

GEN. FRANZ HALDER'S MAP OF THE ‘RZHEV MEAT GRINDER'
An important hand-drawn situation map from the personal files of German Gen. FRANZ HALDER (1884–1972) documenting the Soviet counteroffensive in the Rzhev-Vyazma region in early 1942, following the Battle of Moscow. The fighting in this sector became known as the ‘Rzhev Meat Grinder' due to the extreme intensity and staggering casualties suffered by both sides. The 1p. 4to. map is drawn in black india ink at approx. 1:100,000 scale, and titled ‘Skizze [sketch] 3'. It depicts German advances and Soviet counter-movements along the Vyazma River and the road between Smolensk and Vyazma, including such key villages as Roshlovo, Godunovo, Lomakino, Bukhanovo, Strukovo, Kasnewo, Papovo, Yamnova, Krassnikovo, and Lukyanovo. Dates (31.3, 3.4, 4.4, 5.4, etc) show day-by-day changes in front-line positions between late March and early April 1942. The general movements of the German 106th Infantry Division northwest along the river are also indicated. Overall, the map records the operational flow of the battle, showing German attempts to secure the territory near Vyazma while Soviet forces counterattacked to halt or encircle them. This map represents a small but telling part of the wider Rzhev battles, a series of grinding offensives and counteroffensives that cost millions of casualties and drained both the Wehrmacht and the Red Army. While the Soviets failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough here, the fighting tied down massive German forces that might otherwise have been used at Stalingrad or in southern Russia. In this way, the Rzhev-Vyazma operations indirectly contributed to the eventual Soviet victory at Stalingrad and shifted the strategic balance on the Eastern Front. Shows a small fold and two pinholes at bottom left, otherwise in fine condition.

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April 21, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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