Map of the World in Azimuthal Projection Centered on Malden, Mass. USA

Custom projection of the world centered on Malden, Massachusetts.

The National Company was a major manufacturer of radio equipment from 1914 to 1991 and headquartered in Malden, Massachusetts. This map of the world, focused on that otherwise obscure town, was issued by the company as advertising material to appeal to amateur radio enthusiasts.

Lines of radio frequency reference the capability of the strongest transmitters available – one could literally “hear the whole world talking.” The name of the map’s creator is suggested based on a 1941 callbook for amateur radio hobbyists – callsign W1KWU refers to one Harold C. Gould of Revere, Massachusetts.