This fabulous piece is quite a design statement in design while entertaining the mind by sharing the world of c 1950. New countries have risen out of the ashes of WW2, including Israel, Pakistan and more. Yet, the division of Germany into East and West has not yet occurred, as Korea has also not yet been divided into North and South at the 38 parallel. The globe has a diameter of 12 inches with a total height of 15.5 inches. The classic Retro look reminds one of the iconic 1950s and 60s cars, bold statements with plenty of chrome! A favorite among post war modern collectors! Illuminated Glass Globes were manufactured for only a short period, from the early 1930’s to the 1950’s. It was a very labor-intensive product, as each map gore (the paper strips the map is made of) had to be placed onto the globe by hand. Most globe companies replaced glass globes with plastic as it became more common and most of all was much more economical to produce. However, no plastic globe offers nearly an ambiance as only the illuminated glow of a glass globe can. The Globe itself is made of hand blown glass, covered with 12 individual paper gores representing the map. The half meridian and base  are made of metal with a brilliant chrome finish. The switch for the light is located on the bottom of the lamp part, which is functional. Diameter of the globe is 12 inches with a total height of about 15.5 inches. The globe itself is in very good condition. It has a nicely aged patina with some soiling, especially to the edges of some of the gores. Minute pinholes of lost map, with the largest located in India. Only visible (and barely then) when illuminated. The base has also been very well maintained, no cracks or splits, minimal pitting. The brilliance of the chrome has been well maintained . Lighting is functional. Please see pictures for details. $249 - item # 714RESTRLT49