This model can be illuminated and provides an inviting warm glow. Illuminated glass globes such as this one had been produced for only a short period, from the 1930’s to early 1950’s and then replaced by ordinary plastic, thus a more economical material. Quite a pity as the old, hand-mounted glass globe have a much nicer dominance when displayed in a room! The political borders displayed on this globe represent c 1949, as the effects of WW are still current events, yet the dawn of the Cold War Era is about to be. Rarely to be found complete with Atlas, this specific model is of up most interest not just for its exceptional Arts and Craft Design but the content of the accompanying Atlas. Especially the pages displaying Europe, especially Germany and Austria as it has been post print marked in red, divided into the Allied zones, a result of the Potsdam Conference (17 July to 2 August 1945). It is a little know fact that in the immediate aftermath of the war, Austria, like Germany, was divided into four occupation zones and jointly occupied by the United States, Soviet Union, United Kingdom and France. Vienna, like Berlin, was similarly subdivided but the central district was administered jointly by the Allied Control Council. Whereas Germany was divided into East and West Germany in 1949, Austria remained under joint occupation until 1955; its status became a controversial subject in the Cold War until the warming of relations known as the Khrushchev Thaw. After Austrian promises of perpetual neutrality, Austria was accorded full independence on 12 May 1955 and the last occupation troops left on 25 October that year. As we mentioned before, this artifact is so much more than pleasing to the eye. It documents history within itself. About the manufacture: Rand McNally & Co. 1856 (1880 globe production) - current Chicago William Rand opens his first print shop in 1856, hires McNally, an Irish Immigrant, in 1858. In 1868, the two establish a partnership and the name Rand McNally & Co. As a print shop they produce the newspaper for the Chicago Tribune as well as timetables, travel guides and tickets for the fast growing railroad industry. In 1872, the company pioneered cerography, an innovative wax-engraving print technique, enabling to follow world changes in print quickly and more economically. As a result, event though not having made globes themselves until 1880, by the end of the late 1800’s Rand McNally produced globe gores not just for their own models, but for many of the other Chicago Globe makers. Rand McNally is best known for their travel maps but also still produces a few globes to this day, mainly for the educational market. Description: The 12 inch diameter orb itself is made of glass, covered with twelve individual hand mounted gores. The map is very refined and detailed, offering beautiful coloring. Capitols are identified with stars, transportation routes are visible, including nautical miles of distance between ports. The orb is mounted into a metal copper finished full meridian and is nestled in a wooden cradle style base with shelving for the Atlas. The internal lighting is functional. Total height is about 16.5 inches with a base width of 12.5 inches by 7.25 inches. Condition: Exceptionally well maintained, the globe has a beautiful, clean patina. Details are crisp, colors warm and enchanting. Minor soiling wrinkles or scuffing. The light is functional. Some minor pitting to the meridian and minor scuffing to the base. The Atlas is in good condition with Age appropriate wear and yellowing to the pages. No tears or loss of pages.. Please see photos for details. The age of the Globe has been determined by the political borders displayed, which are as follows: Europe: Europe is shown post WWII. Germany and Austria are shown divided by the Allied forces. Middle East-Asia: Israel has replaced Palestine (1948). Pakistan has been established (1947). Korea has not yet been divided (1953). Africa: Colonies are still displayed as follows: French West as well as Equatorial Africa, Angelo-Egyptian Sudan and more. Well packed, this globe will ship for $26.00 domestic, $65 world wide. $389 — Item #: 0114RAndATILL49