A Second Captured German Trench map

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Raynor's Spring Americana Auction Prt 2

By Raynor's Historical Collectible Auctions

Mar 1, 2026

Set Reminder 2026-03-01 10:00:00 2026-03-01 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Raynor's Spring Americana Auction Prt 2 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/raynors-historical-auctions/raynors-spring-americana-auction-prt-2-22416
Fascinating Americana Auction offering item in all periods of American history., from colonial through WWII. The items are offered as Autographs, Broadsides, Civil Wat Relics, Civil War Diaries, Confederate items. Political, Presidential, 20th Century Israel, Early Sports. Raynor's Historical Collectible Auctions bob@hcaauctions.com

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• Lot Description
  WILLIAM J. DONOVAN (1883-1959) 'Wild Bill', American brigadier general chosen by Roosevelt to head the O.S.S. (precursor to the C.I.A.). Donovan planted over 16,000 people behind enemy lines and developed elaborate plans to subvert Axis military operations. Presented here is a very uncommon and interesting German trench map, owned by Donovan and likely captured during the brutal Battle of St. Mihiel from Sep. 12-16, 1918, in which Donovan as colonel of the U.S. 165th Regiment, originally the famous 69th New York Infantry 'Fighting Irish'. The regiment would distinguish itself at the Second Battle of the Marne, the Ourcq River during the Aisne-Marne Offensive, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Donovan himself would be awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery in mid-October, 1918. The map, 29.5 x 42 in., presents a 1:10,000 scale view of the environs of the commune of Mouilly, north of St. Mihiel itself, which would mark the southern boundary of the eastward assault launched by the French Fifth Army during the battle. It is marked at bottom left The intricate network of German trenches, fortifications, gun emplacements and munitions depots inside French lines which blocked lines of communication between Nancy and Verdun is shown in blue, with the corresponding Allied lines to the west printed in red. The map is marked ‘Stabskarte – Geheim' [‘Staff Map – Secret'] in blue at bottom left, with the date ‘Abgeschlossen am 10.4.18' [‘Completed on April 10, 1918'], with the additional label ‘Geheim' with the date Dec. 12, 1917 at upper left. It bears the additional warning ‘Nicht uber die Rgts.-Befehlsstelle hinaus mit nach vorn nehmen' [‘Not to be taken forward beyond the regimental command post'] in blue at top right. A key is printed along the top edge, identifying trench lines, flak guns, hospital facilities, and many other points of interest, as identified by aerial reconnaissance. The verso bears the pencil notation: ‘Captured Map, showing enemy dispositions and Defenses on West leg of St. Mihiel Salient', signed ‘Allen' for 1st Lt. Harold L. Allen, intelligence officer of the 165th Regiment Headquarters Company. The maps shows heavy folds overall, but is otherwise in very good condition, making for a fine display. The 165th Regiment, as part of the 42nd Infantry Division under the French Fourth Army, would lead the advance into the St. Mihiel salient on its eastern edge, while the sectors depicted by this map, far to the west, would be in the area of responsibility of the French Fifth Army.
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