Rare Old Map of the Soviet Union, 1967: Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Lithuania, Arctic Ocean, Cold War Geopolitics

The 'USSR Political' map, meticulously crafted by the Polish Army Topography Service in 1967, is an intriguing testament to the geographical and political intricacies of the Soviet Union during the Cold War era. Its detailed political and physical style paints a vivid picture of the USSR, showcasing the diverse constituent states that formed this influential global powerhouse. The map is particularly notable for its depiction of Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Lithuania, each represented with distinct clarity and precision. The richly detailed cartography offers a captivating glimpse into the Soviet Union's territorial organization, providing a unique perspective on the geopolitical dynamics of the time.

This map is a fascinating exploration of the USSR's geography, with the vast expanse of the Arctic Ocean prominently featured. The ocean, a significant component of the Soviet Union's northern boundary, is depicted with remarkable detail, reflecting the mapmaker's commitment to geographical accuracy. This element adds an additional layer of interest to the map, as it highlights the USSR's strategic positioning and its inherent ties to the broader Arctic region.

The Polish Army Topography Service, the map's creator, is renowned for its high-quality cartographic works. Their expertise is clearly evident in the 'USSR Political' map, where each constituent state of the Soviet Union is depicted with a high level of detail and accuracy. The map is a testament to the mapmaker's skill and dedication, capturing the USSR's complex political and physical landscape with an impressive degree of precision.

The 'USSR Political' map is not merely a geographical representation; it is a historical artifact that provides valuable insights into the Soviet Union's geopolitical structure during a critical period in world history. The detailed depiction of Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Lithuania, among other regions, offers a unique perspective on the USSR's internal dynamics and its relations with neighboring countries. This map is a compelling piece for any history enthusiast, cartography lover, or anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the Soviet Union's political and geographical landscape during the Cold War era.

• Major Cities:
• Moscow, Russia
• Saint Petersburg, Russia
• Kiev, Ukraine
• Almaty, Kazakhstan
• Vilnius, Lithuania
• Minsk, Belarus
• Tashkent, Uzbekistan
• Baku, Azerbaijan
• Tbilisi, Georgia

• Yerevan, Armenia

• National Parks:

• Sochi National Park, Russia
• Curonian Spit National Park, Lithuania
• Gauja National Park, Latvia
• Białowieża National Park, Belarus

• Shushensky Bor National Park, Russia

• National Landmarks:

• Kremlin, Russia
• Hermitage Museum, Russia
• Motherland Monument, Ukraine
• Baiterek Tower, Kazakhstan

• Gediminas' Tower, Lithuania

• Historical Events (1947-1967):

• The Sputnik launch, Russia (1957)
• The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
• The construction of the Berlin Wall (1961)
• The Virgin Lands Campaign, Kazakhstan (1954-1960)
• The Hungarian Revolution (1956)

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.

This map is wider than most maps, which would make it a perfect statement piece above a mantelpiece, sofa or desk.

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.