Description:

WESTERN FRONT MAPS, USED BY COL. WILLIAM J. DONOVAN (5)
WILLIAM J. DONOVAN (1883-1959) 'Wild Bill', American brigadier general chosen by Roosevelt to head the O.S.S. (precursor to the C.I.A.). Donovan planted over 16,000 people behind enemy lines and developed elaborate plans to subvert Axis military operations. During World War I, Donovan served as colonel of the U.S. 165th Regiment, originally the famous 69th New York Infantry 'Fighting Irish'. The regiment would distinguish itself at the Second Battle of the Marne, the Ourcq River during the Aisne-Marne Offensive, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Donovan himself would be awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery in mid-October, 1918. Fine lot of five maps used by Donovan, showing various locales on the Western Front through which the 165th passed and fought, including: a large 33.5 x 43 in. map, constructed of two sheets pasted together at the center, showing the city of Nancy and the environs to the southwest. The map has been annotated in red indelible pencil to show the route north taken by the 165th between the communes of Viocourt and Foug between Sep. 4-8, 1918, in transit to the front to participate in the Battle of St. Mihiel, Sep. 12-15. Shows a small split at bottom center, else very good. WITH: a commercial map, 33.25 x 23.25, depicting the city of Meaux and environs to the east, including Chateau-Thierry and other areas involved in the First and Second Battles of the Marne at upper right. Shows folds overall, with small splits to the interior and edge4s and some minor soiling, else very good. WITH: a commercial map, 33.5 x 23.25, depicting the environs of Chalons, including the Marne river just south of the front that would be established by the German Champagne-Marne Offensive and the Second Battle of the Marne, July 14-18, 1918. Shows folds and notable soiling overall, else very good. WITH: a commercial 1:200,000-scale map, 27 x 20.75 in., showing Paris and the region to the northeast, including Soissons and Chateau-Thierry. Shows folds overall, else very good to fine. WITH: 33.5 x 24 in. map depicting the French-Belgian border and the environs of Sedan, the farthest point of advance reached by Allied forces before the war was brought to an abrupt halt by the Armistice on Nov. 11, 1918. Marked at bottom right as being printed at ‘Base Printing Plant, 29th Engineers, U.S. Army', and dated 1918. Shows folds overall with a few small tears to the edges, else very good. Five pieces. These maps, along with other maps and documents, were contained within two of Donovan's footlockers purchased by our consignor and previously sold by us.

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November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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