WWI German Krieg-Übersichtskarte der Welt Folding Map, Geo Verlag Berlin

This is an original Imperial German World War I–era folding military overview map titled “Kriegs-Übersichtskarte der Welt”, translated into English as “War Overview Map of the World.” The map was produced by Geo Verlag G.m.b.H., Berlin W35, with printing executed by the Berliner Lithographisches Institut, a known German publisher and lithographic printer active during the Kaiserreich period. The stated scale is 1:47,000,000, indicating a strategic, global perspective rather than a tactical battlefield map.

The map is entirely in German and reflects Imperial German geopolitical terminology and borders consistent with the First World War period. Visible regional labels include “Frankreich” (France), “Russland” (Russia), “Britisches Nordamerika” (British North America / Canada), “Vereinigte Staaten” (United States), “Schwarzes Meer” (Black Sea), and “Golf von Genua” (Gulf of Genoa). Oceans and seas are likewise labeled in German, including “Stiller Ozean” (Pacific Ocean) and “Mittelländisches Meer” (Mediterranean Sea). The map presents Europe, Russia, Asia, North America, and colonial regions with color-coded political divisions typical of German wartime cartography.

Physically, this example is a multi-panel folding paper map printed in color lithography. The paper stock is thin but robust, consistent with mass-issued wartime reference maps intended for civilian education, military orientation, or home-front use. Fold lines are clearly visible, with edge wear, small losses, and toning consistent with age. The corners show rounding and minor separation, and there are scattered stains and creases, all expected for an unrestored period piece. Despite this, the map remains fully legible, visually striking, and complete, with no modern reinforcement or repair observed.

Historically, such world overview maps were produced in large numbers during the First World War to educate soldiers and civilians alike on the global scope of the conflict. They reflect the Imperial German worldview, emphasizing colonial possessions, enemy states, and strategic theaters of war. These maps were commonly used in schools, military offices, and private homes, serving both propagandistic and educational purposes during the war years.

This example should be understood as period wartime ephemera, not trench art. While it was contemporary with front-line service and could have been carried or consulted by soldiers, it was printed as an official civilian or institutional publication rather than being handmade or modified by a soldier in the field. Its value lies in its authenticity, clarity of period geopolitical representation, and its survival in collectible condition over a century later.

Good original condition overall. Expected fold wear throughout, with edge fraying, corner losses, and age toning. No major tears into the printed map field. Colors remain clear, and all text is legible. An honest, collector-grade example with no restoration.

Unattributed, but fully identifiable to Geo Verlag G.m.b.H., Berlin W35, Imperial Germany, World War I period. No ownership markings observed.