GSGS Restricted Cold War silk escape/evasion map—N-I-39—Tehran—Bushire—Iran 1951

£280

SKU: P-6-111582

'Tehran — Restricted— Third Edition— Asia 1:1,000,000— N-I-39 // Bushire — Restricted— Fourth Edition— North H-39— Asia 1:1,000,000'


A Cold War-era silk escape map—Restricted—Tehran // Bushire—issued by the Geographical Section General Staff, War Office, in 1951. Fabric escape-and-evasion maps were developed during the Second World War by the British military intelligence organisation MI9, notably under the direction of Christopher Clayton Hutton. A prolific inventor of devices for covert military and espionage use, Hutton is also thought to have been one of the inspirations for Ian Fleming’s conception of Q Branch. Printed on both sides of rayon cloth, such maps were durable, silent in use, and easily concealed. Originally issued to airmen for use if shot down behind enemy lines, they were later also supplied to Special Forces, and were notably used by the SAS during the 1991 Gulf War. This example reflects Britain’s continuing strategic interest in Iran and the Persian Gulf during the early Cold War. One side maps Tehran and the Iranian plateau; the reverse covers Bushire on the Gulf coast, extending across the northern Gulf and the approaches to the Shatt al-Arab. Together, the two sides combine the political and logistical centres of inland Iran with the strategically important waters of the northern Persian Gulf.

Select:

Size 62 x 68 cm | 24.5 x 26.5 inches

Date Published: 1951

From a 1940 Survey of India map. Published by War Office 1941. Revised to 1951 from a map dated 1943 // Published by War office 1942. From a Middle East map 3rd edition 1944. Fourth edition 1951

Type: Cold War era double-sided GSGS silk fabric escape and evasion map

Author: War Office

Geographical Section General Staff (War Office). From maps MDR I/1655 (Survey of India) & MDR I/12/62. Revised and reproduced by Ordnance Survey

Publication: War Office

Published by Geographical Section General Staff (War Office)

Condition: Good |

Good; suitable for framing. The nature of the map is such that the printing on the reverse side shows through to the front somewhat. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Please contact us if you would like to arrange to view this map. This is a folding map. The map is printed on both sides

Delivery & Returns

Packing

Items smaller than A4 size are usually packed in a stiffened, board-backed envelope. Larger items are rolled and packed in postal tubes. Large items which are too stiff to be rolled in wide-diameter tubes are mailed in all-board envelopes. In the unlikely event of damage in transit, please send the affected item or items back to us and we will provide a replacement or refund.

Delivery

Economy, tracked and express shipping options are available to all destinations worldwide. Over half our orders are sent to customers outside the United Kingdom and we have supplied over 30,000 buyers in over 70 different countries. We ship orders virtually every business day to customers in North America and Europe. The cost of delivery depends on the size of the largest item in your order, where you are located, and the delivery method that you choose at checkout. For orders received before 2pm, we can arrange delivery next day in the UK, within 2 business days to continental Europe and North America, and within 4 days to most other countries worldwide (excludes PO Box or APO/FPO (Military) addresses).

Returns

We accept returns for any reason if sent back to us within 14 days of receipt of your order. If any of your items are not as described, we will provide a full refund including reasonable return postage costs upon safe return to us. If you have changed your mind, you are responsible for the cost of returning the item to us. We describe the size, age and condition of all our products as fully and accurately as possible. Most of the items which we sell are in very good condition. However, the condition of antique and vintage prints and maps can vary. All of our product listings including a statement which classifies the condition as being either “Good”, “Fair”, or (rarely) “Poor” and which describes any material flaws, blemishes, imperfections or other significant features such as folds. Please read the description carefully before purchase.

Can we help? For more details or any questions.

Recently Viewed

Condition Guide

We assess the condition of each item using three categories: Good, Fair, and Poor. We strive to ensure that any significant flaws are clearly shown in the images provided and detailed in the accompanying condition statement.

Good

The item presents well, with no significant flaws, and is in frameable condition. Minor imperfections—such as light spotting or offsetting, small blemishes, tight margins, neatly repaired tears, or discreet/professionally executed restoration—do not materially detract from its overall appearance.

Fair

The item shows noticeable flaws but remains in frameable condition. Some buyers may feel these imperfections affect its visual appeal. Typical issues may include more prominent spotting, blemishes, bleed-through from the reverse, obvious offsetting, visible or extensive restoration, wear along fold lines or junctures, small wormholes, trimmed or closely cropped edges, or less carefully executed repairs.

Poor

The item has major flaws that significantly impact its presentation and/or suitability for framing. These may include heavy spotting, staining, bleed-through, offsetting, unrepaired damage, or poorly executed repairs such as tears, holes, or areas of paper loss (including within the printed image). The item may also be fragile and prone to further deterioration.