Hemispheres, Alliances & Relief — World Wall Map (1943)
A snapshot of the world at mid-war, rendered with clarity and restraint. Published by National Geographic in December 1943, this world sheet presents separate Eastern and Western Hemispheres with classic colourization and a subtly darker palette suited to the moment. International boundaries as of 1 September 1939, ocean currents, time zones, and richly shaded terrain are set out in clean, legible cartography that rewards both room-distance viewing and close study. It’s the fabric of a world in conflict—measured, comparative, and unmistakably of its era—made to study, admire, and display.
More Than a Map – A Testament to History
This isn’t just wall art—it’s a reference frame for geopolitics in 1943. Compare pre-war borders against wartime realities, consult Northern and Southern Hemisphere insets, and study companion plates charting WWI alliances and WWII alliances as of publication. Ideal for educators, historians, planners, designers, and collectors, the sheet stands alone beautifully and pairs perfectly with earlier (1941) and later (1951, 1970) National Geographic world maps for a continuum of the twentieth century.
Hang it in studios, libraries, classrooms, museums, offices, or at home to invite reflection, study, and conversation.
Premium Materials & Finishes
We treat history with the respect it deserves. That’s why we offer multiple formats, each produced using high-quality materials and modern archival printing.
🌟 Archival Paper Print
Printed on heavyweight 160gsm archival-grade paper.
Smooth matte finish reduces glare and preserves fine linework and small labels.
Ideal for framing under glass—clean, timeless, and built to last.
💎 Laminated Edition
Encapsulated in two sheets of 80-micron gloss laminate using true thermal bonding—not just surface lamination.
Moisture-resistant, wipe-clean surface—perfect for classrooms and high-traffic reference spaces.
Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered rails with a fitted hanging cord provide a polished, ready-to-hang presentation—no frame required. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)
🏆 Museum-Quality Canvas
Printed on heavyweight 395gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas for rich texture and exceptional strength.
Pigment-based, fade-resistant inks deliver deep tone and crisp typography that endure for generations.
Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered to enhance the wood grain and protect against wear; top cord for effortless hanging—elegant in any setting. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | World Wall Map |
| Series | National Geographic single-sheet world map |
| Original Publication | 1943 (December) |
| Projection | Separate Eastern & Western Hemispheres |
| Cartographic Content | International boundaries as of 1 Sept 1939; relief shading & elevation tints; thousands of place names incl. capitals; ocean currents; time zones; Northern & Southern Hemisphere insets; WWI alliances inset; WWII alliances inset (as of publication) |
| Map Size | 1036 mm (W) × 670 mm (H) |
| Available Formats | Paper, Laminated, Canvas |
| Paper Weight | 160gsm archival-quality |
| Laminate | 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate sheets (encapsulated) |
| Canvas Weight | 395gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas |
| Inks | Pigment-based, fade-resistant |
| Optional Hang Rails | Available on Laminated & Canvas (lead time up to 10 working days) |
| Origin | Made in Australia |
Why Choose This Map
✔ Era-True Snapshot: Borders and alliances captured precisely as understood in 1943.
✔ Context at a Glance: WWI and WWII alliance insets frame the conflict’s shifting blocs.
✔ Clarity at Scale: National Geographic detail with thousands of legible place names.
✔ Functional & Decorative: Classic styling, currents, and time zones for study and display.
✔ Archival Craft: Premium substrates and inks preserve contrast, labels, and linework for decades.
Our Commitment
We believe that preserving history is as important as telling it. Every map is printed locally in Australia using state-of-the-art technology, carefully checked by hand, and packed with care. From the moment it leaves our workshop to the day it hangs on your wall, we ensure quality you can trust and a legacy you’ll be proud to share.
Bring the wartime world into focus. Order the World Wall Map (1943) today—a faithful, beautifully produced sheet that turns a room into a conversation.
