This pair of terrestrial and celestial Globes in form of bookends offer a classic minimalistic Bauhaus style.  The clean streamlined design of the mount is clearly influenced by Ray and Charles Eames who developed a process to mold veneers into softer shapes in 1946.  Allowing the reveal of the process along the edge of the bookends adds another sleek design element in addition to the warmth of the contrasting wood with polished aluminum to create a classic display of sophisticated elegance. Made by Columbus of Germany c 1965 for the english speaking market, these are actual political and celestial Globes.The terrestrial model is a standard Student Globe, showing in a detailed Cold War Era. Both pieces are also indeed marked ”Made in West Germany” as required by the Allied Forces.  Columbus Globes Inc. remains one of the largest manufacturers of globe to date.  During WW2 the company, located in Berlin, suffered losses of buildings and personnel but managed to survive by producing globes from their homes.  After WW2 the second generation Paul Oestgaard Jr. attempted to rebuild the company but due to the Russian blockade was forced to relocate to the more politically stable area of Stuttgart, Germany.  Both locations are indicated on the cartouche identifying these as Post WW2 pairing. Indeed a true Cold War Artifact! The celestial Globe identifies constellations, zodiacs, the Milky Way and more with a rich blue horizon and golden yellow stars. A perfect opportunity to view the heavenly skies within the convenience of your home.  Pairings of terrestrial and celestial globes have been created since the 15th century or possibly earlier.  Often since the heavens were thought to never change they would produce the celestial globe in advance and to ensure the accuracy of the terrestrial globe, due to new discoveries or political changes, were made or manufactured later. The age of the artifacts has been based on era of manufacture and political borders displayed, which are as follows: Europe is showing Cold War boundaries, including the USSR. Colonies like French West Africa and the Belgian Congo have ceased to exist (1960) as has the UAR (1958-61). French Somaliland still exists (became Afars & Issas in 1967), however, the Federation of of Rhodesia and and Nyasaland has been dissolved and established new countries like Zambia, Tanganyika and Zambia (1964). Description: Both Globes are covered in 12 hand applied individual paper gores with two polar calottes and are mounted into polished aluminum half meridian. Diameter of the spheres is about 5 inches with a total height of about 7 inches. The Bauhaus Style, also known as Modernist and Machine Age, emerged in the early 1920s in Berlin (Weimar Bauhaus School of Design) and lasted several decades. As matter of fact, the style has once again regained immense popularity. No doubt this set is more than just a pair of fab bookends. They are statements of a design style that merged form & function at its best! Condition: Finely preserved pairing.  One spot of light soiling on the terrestrial. Carefully packed, this fine set ships domestic for $15, $30 world wide. $385 — Item #: D915COLBKEND65