Lot 230

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Description:

VIERVILLE-SUR-MER OMAHA BEACH D-DAY MAP
Extremely important World War II map, 20" x 25 3/4", a 1: 12,500-scale depiction of the Normandy village of Vierville-sur-Mer and environs, the beach of which would be designated OMAHA during the Operation Neptune amphibious landings on June 6, 1944, thereafter known as D-Day. The map, prepared and released by the British in May of 1944, specifically depicts the Dog Green, Dog White, Dog Red, and Easy Green sections of the beach, and bears markings in blue which dramatically illustrate the strength of German bunkers, artillery batteries, minefields, anti-tank obstacles, staging areas, communication lines and other vital information. A legend on the verso gives an explanation of each of the symbols used for this purpose; however, many of the beach defenses bear more detailed descriptions, such as "Mobile Lt. Flak Reported", "Houses Along Sea Front Probably Fortified", and "Triple Staggered Rows of Hedgehog". Additional defenses, including several mobile artillery pieces, are marked in purple, indicating that their position and strength are unconfirmed at the time of printing. Disclaimers at the top of the map state: "This map will NOT be carried in operational aircraft" and "TOP SECRET until issues for briefing ground troops, thereafter SECRET", while a small caption at lower right indicates that the information presented was compiled from aerial photographs taken in advance of the invasion. The map bears the black ink inscription "6th Brig. Beach" near the top. The upper right of the map is also marked "S-2" in black ink, with the very faint blue ink inscription "336" at lower right. The map was carried onto the beach on June 6th by Staff Sergeant Robert Iversen of the 37th Combat Engineer Battalion, 5th Engineer Special Brigade. Present with the map is a typed letter, 1p. 4to., Syracuse, Aug. 15, 1984, in which Iversen transmits the map to a friend and fellow veteran, describing his experience during the landing, as well as the original transmittal envelope. The map shows folds with slight splitting, minor chipping, wear and soiling, else very good.

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September 13, 2017 11:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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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 + $10,000