Rare Old Map of Southern Africa, 1967: Congo, Zambia, South Africa, Madagascar, Lake Victoria

The 'Africa - South' map, published in 1967 by the esteemed Polish Army Topography Service, is a testament to the meticulousness of mid-20th-century cartography. This map is not merely a geographical representation but a detailed political and physical map, offering a fascinating glimpse into the geopolitical landscape of Southern Africa during a period of significant historical transition. The map encompasses all African countries from Congo down to South Africa, making it an intriguing piece for those interested in the region's historical and political nuances.

This map is further distinguished by its insets of the Sao Tome and Principe Islands, the Mascarene Islands, and Madagascar. These detailed insets offer a unique perspective on these often overlooked yet historically significant islands. Sao Tome and Principe, for instance, were critical waypoints in the age of exploration, while the Mascarene Islands and Madagascar have unique biodiversity that has fascinated scientists for centuries. These insets serve as a testament to the mapmaker's attention to detail and commitment to comprehensive representation.

The 'Africa - South' map is a World Map, a format that allows for a broad overview of the region while maintaining a high level of detail. This style of map is particularly interesting because it offers a balance between the macro and micro perspectives, enabling the viewer to appreciate the region's broader context while also delving into its specific features. This map, with its blend of political and physical details, is an excellent example of this approach, offering a multifaceted view of Southern Africa and its surrounding islands.

Lastly, the artistic style of the mapmaker is worth noting. The Polish Army Topography Service was renowned for its precision and accuracy, and this map is no exception. The careful delineation of political boundaries, the detailed rendering of physical features, and the thoughtful inclusion of insets all contribute to a map that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is informative. The projection of the map, a critical aspect of any cartographic work, is executed with precision, ensuring that the map is as accurate as possible. This commitment to accuracy and aesthetics makes the 'Africa - South' map a valuable addition to any collection.

• Cartographic Style and Projection
• Detailed political and physical map, offering a comprehensive view of the region
• World Map format, allowing for a broad overview while maintaining a high level of detail
• Precise delineation of political boundaries
• Detailed rendering of physical features
• Thoughtful inclusion of insets of significant islands

• Accurate projection ensuring a faithful representation of the geographical area

• Interesting Facts about the Cartographer

• The map was created by the Polish Army Topography Service, renowned for their meticulousness and accuracy
• The Polish Army Topography Service was known for their detailed political and physical maps

• The cartographer's commitment to comprehensive representation is evident in the inclusion of insets of often overlooked islands

• Interesting Historical or Physical Features Shown by This Map

• The map covers all African countries from Congo down to South Africa
• The map provides a glimpse into the geopolitical landscape of Southern Africa during a period of significant historical transition
• The map includes insets of the Sao Tome and Principe Islands, the Mascarene Islands, and Madagascar
• Sao Tome and Principe were critical waypoints in the age of exploration
• The Mascarene Islands and Madagascar are known for their unique biodiversity
• The map offers a balance between the macro and micro perspectives, providing a broad context and specific features of the region
• The map is as aesthetically pleasing as it is informative, making it a valuable addition to any collection

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.