While the 1925 Exposition des Arts Decorativs et Industriels Modernes in Paris launched the Art Deco movement, in the US a Group of Engineers, Architects and Artists forged a new American Design aesthetic (1925-1940) . Their work moved away from the decorative French mode towards the clean lines of the German Bauhaus movement, finally attaining its unmistakable American Modern Style. As a result, strikingly innovative objects were produced, from individual pieces of art to everyday use objects. One may think of buildings by Frankl, cocktail glasses designed by Bel Geddes or textile prints by Edward Steichen. The clean streamline features and the absence of tradition ornamental features introduced the American Middle Class to the Machine Age, where form and function finally merged..

With its superb American Modern base, this globe is not only a vintage scientific instrument but also undeniably a fine piece of Art.

Electric illuminated glass globes were produced for only a short period, from the late 1920’s to the late 1950’s, when economically more affordable and less labor intensive plastic replaced the glass globes with hand mounted paper gores.

However, within that short period some of the most spectacular globe models had been produced, including this one. The same model in design and year (different globe) can be found at the Vienna Globe museum, part of the National Library of Austria.

Illuminated glass globes provide an exceptional, inviting warm glow that no plastic globe of today can imitate. The perfectly aged patina of this model provides a superb “vintage” look. One may consider this to be a great opportunity to obtain a true museum artifact.

The orb itself is made of hand blown glass, covered with 12 individual paper gores applied by hand, representing the map. Mounted into a base made of cast iron (or pot metal) with brass accents. The half meridian and base are one piece and offer fab minimalistic deco accents. Diameter of the globe is 10 inches, with a total height of about 13 inches.

The Globe is in good condition for its age. Only minimal wear is visible in form of scuffing, please make sure to view pictures in detail. A pinhole loss of map can be seen at the northern hemisphere and there has been some rubbing in the southern hemisphere (see pictures). Colors are vivid, details crisp. The mounting is in good condition. No damage , cracks, minimal corrosion can be buffed, but some of the accent brass has worn off. The light is functional and has the original cord, which is a little worn. If you like, we can replace the cord at no additional cost to you. We haven’t done so because some collectors prefer their pieces to be as original as possible. Please see pictures for details.

The age of the Globe has been determined by the political borders displayed, which are as follows:

Austria has not yet been annexed by Germany (1938), Persia has changed to Iran (1935). The area of Manchuria in China is shown as Manchoukuo and occupied by Japan. (1932-45).

Italian East Africa is listed as Italian Ethiopia (1936-41).

$645