Iran – Map Showing Proposed Journey By Geological Advisory Committee Of Anglo-Iranian Oil Co. Ltd., Autumn 1936

Date: June 1936 (from printed registration)
Scale: 1:4,000,000 (as printed)
Medium: Printed map, reproduced by Van Dyke process, with coloured route overlays (red and blue)
Sheet type: Single-sheet working map
Size: 57.3cm x 50.6cm

Physical Description

Printed map of Iran with overlaid route markings in red and blue, accompanied by a printed key.

Visible features include:

• Colour-coded routes:
  • Blue: “routes for tourers”
  • Red: “routes for lorries”
• Road classification: routes differentiated as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class
• Numbered stages: sequential numbering along routes
• Mileage figures: distances marked between points
• Mail points: indicated at intervals along the route
• Inset panel (Items 5–8): separate schematic route detail in western Iran

Printed marginal inscriptions:

• Lower left:
  “A.I.O.C. M.S. Reg. No. 123 / June ’36”
• Lower right:
  “Vandyked at Masjid-i-Sulaiman”

The sheet shows fold lines, light surface wear, and minor toning. All principal printed and annotated elements remain legible. In very good plus condition overall.

Geographical Coverage (as shown)

The main mapped route system is concentrated in southern Iran, with clearly legible locations including:

• Shiraz
• A south-easterly route through the Niriz–Darab region
• Termination at the coast near Bandar Abbas
• Continued eastward extension to Jask

The inset (Items 5–8) shows a separate route grouping in western Iran, centred on the Kermanshah / Khurramabad region.

Documentary Markings

• The registration line “A.I.O.C. M.S. Reg. No. 123 / June ’36” records:
  • Corporate attribution (Anglo-Iranian Oil Company)
  • Internal registration number
  • Date: June 1936
• The imprint “Vandyked at Masjid-i-Sulaiman” records:
  • Place of reproduction: Masjid-i-Sulaiman
  • Method of reproduction (see technical note below)

Content (evidence-based)

The title specifies a “Proposed Journey”.

The map shows:

• Planned routes of travel
• Differentiation by vehicle type
• Staged progression with numbered points and mileages
• Mail points along the routes

No geological or thematic data are depicted.

Technical Note

“Vandyked” denotes reproduction by the Van Dyke photographic copying process, a method used for duplicating maps and technical drawings. This indicates that the present sheet is a reproduced working copy, rather than a primary engraved or lithographic issue.

Interpretation (limited)

The mapped features indicate preparation for organised overland travel along a defined itinerary.

The presence of an internal registration number and on-site reproduction imprint indicates that the map formed part of a controlled, internally produced document series.

Rarity

No identical example has been identified in accessible catalogues or sales records.

Observable factors:

• Internal registration
• Specific journey-based content
• Operational route annotation
• Identified place and method of reproduction

These indicate limited distribution and functional use.

Condition: Very Good Plus

• Old fold lines
• Minor toning and handling wear
• Printed and annotated elements intact and legible

Market Note (cautious)

Comparable material is limited. Maps combining:

• Corporate origin
• Internal registration
• Route-specific planning content

are uncommon in the market.

Summary

An internally registered Anglo-Iranian Oil Company map dated June 1936, showing a proposed journey route network across southern Iran from Shiraz to the Gulf coast and eastward to Jask, with additional inset routes in western Iran. Reproduced at Mesjid-i-Sulaiman by the Van Dyke process and distinguished by colour-coded vehicle routes, staged distances, and communication points.

Location: HO: Drawer D: 003596

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