British-Russian Attacks on Iran Map (August 1941 Invasion)
Print; Cartographic Illustration / News Map • Anonymous staff illustrator for a Western news publication (likely United Press or Associated Press standard wire service maps).
Style & Movement
Mid-20th-century Cartography; Journalistic Graphic Illustration.
Medium & Technique
Mechanical offset lithography or zincograph print; high-contrast line art with Ben-Day dots/halftone patterns for water bodies.
Creation Period
August 1941
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 10 cm (variable based on newsprint column width); Landscape format.
Subject Description
A strategic map depicting the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran (Operation Countenance). It shows troop movement arrows from Soviet Russia into Tabriz and Bandar Shah, and British movements from Iraq and the Persian Gulf. Iconic symbols denote oil wells in Baku, Mosul, and Kirkuk.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; visible heavy pixelation indicative of digital reproduction from microfilm or low-resolution scan of newsprint.
Estimated Market Value
$25 - $75 (as a vintage news clipping or digital high-res license).
Auction Estimate
$10 - $30 (nominal value in an ephemera bulk lot).
Provenance History
Originally published in a daily newspaper or news weekly circa August 26-30, 1941; likely archived in a library microfilm collection.
Art Historical Significance
Significant as a primary source of wartime propaganda and public information, illustrating the 'Persian Corridor' supply route importance during WWII.
Notable Features
Includes specific tactical notations such as 'Wavell Army Crosses Here' and a unique legend for oil wells and military maneuvers.
Condition Issues
Digital compression artifacts, high-contrast loss of mid-tones, micro-tears visible at paper edges in original source material.
Conservation Recommendations
If original newsprint: Deacidification treatment and storage in UV-filtered archival sleeves. Digital: Maintain archival TIFF master file.