This is the authentic original silk escape & evasion map issued to British and American aviators and commandos. The maps were printed on specially-treated silk in order to preserve printing clarity, be unaffected by water, and silent to use. Originally developed and issued by the British War Office during WW II, updated editions were issued through the dawn of the Cold War in the early 1950s. Given to Allied aviators and commandos prior to a mission, these provided information on political and geographic boundaries, natural obstructions, concealment, targets of opportunity, etc. Their specially-developed color printing process did not bleed even when wet, and silk's natural resistance to mildew allowed for a variety of emergency uses. So critical were these maps to a downed pilot's or commando's survival, they often were sewn inside their clothing to avoid detection. Each map is printed in full color on both sides of the silk, and covers particular strategic sectors of Asia, Europe, or the Middle East. These 50-year-old silk maps are highly-collectible pieces of military history and are still in excellent, un-issued condition. Very limited quantities available. Scale: 1 = 15.78 miles. Size vary from 21 x 25 to 25 x 42. Map is identified by the major city included on each side: Baghdad/Basra (Iraq); Ankara (Turkey).