Description:

GEN. FRANZ HALDER'S OVERVIEW MAP OF THE DRIVE ON MOSCOW AT MZENSK
An important hand-drawn situation map from the personal files of German Gen. FRANZ HALDER (1884–1972) documenting the late October, 1941 German drive towards Moscow as part of Operation Typhoon, and specifically showing the assault in the region of the city of Mzensk. The map, 1p. 4to., was executed in pencil, with black india ink used to outline German forces and movements. The drawing is titled: 'Ubersichtskizze 1 [Overview Sketch]', drawn at a scale of 1:250,000 with a 0–15 km. bar beneath the title. It shows the German drive on Moscow following the capture of Orel which had fallen three weeks earlier, by way of the important manufacturing center of Tula, the road to which is shown heading east. The positions and movements of the 3rd and 4th Panzer Divisions are clearly depicted, as are several regimental headquarters. Pockets of stiff Soviet resistance, depicted here as open bars, would further slow the Germans' efforts to capture Moscow. A legend, again in black ink, is placed at lower left. The Battle of Mtsensk (October 1941) was historically significant because it marked the first time German armored spearheads were seriously delayed by Soviet tank forces, particularly the T-34. General Heinz Guderian himself acknowledged the shock of encountering the T-34, which outclassed German Panzer III and IV tanks. This clash represented a turning point in the Eastern Front campaign because it demonstrated that Blitzkrieg, which had swept through Poland, France, and the early stages of the Soviet Union, could be blunted by determined resistance and superior Soviet technology. From this point onward, the Germans could no longer assume rapid advances with minimal resistance; instead, they faced prolonged, attritional warfare. The lessons of Mtsensk forced German commanders to adapt their tactics and highlighted the urgent need for improved tanks, leading directly to the development of the Panther and Tiger series later in the war.
Shows a few folds overall, otherwise in very good condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

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

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000