1947 Lindblad Pictorial Map of Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia

This is a c. 1947 B. Lindblad pictorial map of Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia.

A Closer Look

The map depicts from Sumatra to the eastern Australia and from Borneo and Sulawesi to Tasmania. Beautifully illustrated, Australia's native celebrated flora and fauna populate the map: emu, parakeets, kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, bearded dragons, platypus, and a kookaburra, etc. A Tasmanian devil and the now extinct Tasmanian tiger appear in Tasmania. Though unlabeled, cities are illustrated in profile throughout, including Sydney with its famous harbor bridge. The Great Barrier Reef is illustrated off the northeast coast, with stunning corals. Aboriginal people are illustrated throughout. Two inset maps at boot depict New Zealand greater Oceania.

Dating the Map and Publication History

Though undated, the illustration of a Douglas C-74 Globemaster aircraft narrows the date. The C-74 was a cargo aircraft built by the Douglas Aircraft Company between 1945 and 1947. The second, more iconic aircraft, located just below Australia, is a Lockheed Constellation, built between 1943 and 1958. The Constellation holds the distinction of being the first commercial airliner with a pressurized cabin. The first Constellation to enter commercial service was delivered to TWA in October 1945. Qantas, an Australian airline, took delivery of their first Constellation in October 1947.

Publication History and Census

This map was created by B. Lindblad and published by P.A. Norstedt and Söner c. 1947. We have been unable to locate any examples in institutional collections. Scarce on the private market.