Unique 1944 Red Army General Staff Military Map - Riga and Surroundings

Description

I am selling a unique historical artifact – a 1944 Red Army General Staff military map (Sheet O-35-109, Riga and surroundings) with a very interesting and rare postwar student story on the reverse side! Description and technical details: Edition: The map was compiled in November 1943, but physically printed in August 1944 (printer's order mark "VIII 44"). Issued just before the Riga offensive! Scale: 1:100,000 (1 cm = 1 km). Dimensions: Open approx. 50 x 35 cm, folded approx. 13 x 18 cm. Classification status: The inscription at the top reads "ДЛЯ СЛУЖЕБНОГО ПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ" (For official use) – at the time, the map was confidential and not publicly available. Geographic coverage: Detailed Riga city center and surrounding areas (Pārdaugava, Torņakalns, Čiekurkalns, Purvciems, Bolderāja, Voleri, Olaine, Zaķumuiža, Suntaži, etc.). ✨ The unique student story: The back of the map hides a fantastic piece of 1950s Latvian student life. The map belonged to a student of the LVU Faculty of Energy named Longins Garkuls. On the cover, he signed it with a touch of the academic humor of the time – in a French-styled title: "Senjors Garkuljē" (Senjors – a senior-year student or group leader). Next to the signature, in ink, there is a detailed sketch of the group or faculty "coat of arms" in the classic Latvian military and fraternity style – a shield with a rising sun motif, crossed ancient Latvian spears, a battle axe, and an oak-leaf wreath. Since in the 1950s topographic maps in the USSR were strictly secret and unavailable to civilians, students often managed to obtain them and used them for practical work, field studies, or hikes. Condition: Excellent, authentic historical condition, with original military fold lines and age patina. No modern restoration.

Pickup Location