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Globes For Sale
1889s Antique Celestial Globe Signed Gussoni e Dotti Milano Papier Maché Sphere
Located in Milan, IT
Celestial globe compiled on the Hesi & Gould catalogs by Eng. Pini and published in 1889 by Gussoni & Dotti Milano piazza del Duomo. Sphere in paper mache covered with paper printed by engraving on copper plate and hand watercolored, base in turned and ebonized wood. Good condition, conservative restoration at the base. Measures: Height 45 cm, inche 17.8, sphere diameter 22 cm 8.7. Giovanni Gussoni in 1874 bought the business of Antonio Ronchi typographer in Via Unione 5 in Milan, and then moved in 1883 to the shop of the Southern Porticoes in Piazza Duomo. Giovanni Gussoni was followed by his son Vittorio, who on April 16, 1907 sold the company to a collaborator, Giovanni Serra, who continued the business until November 1914. Man has always wanted to know the world in which he lives and has used all the means available to measure the space that surrounds him to expand his knowledge more and more. The conditions that allowed man to develop models of the world and space were probably realized only after...
Category

1880s Antique Globes

Materials

Paper

Pair of rare 17th century celestial and terrestrial globes, Vincenzo Coronelli
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of celestial and terrestrial table globes, wooden globe covered with engraved and enhanced paper spindles. Bronze mounts with two rings featuring a horizon table engraved with a...
Category

1690s Italian Antique Globes

Materials

Wood

Earth globe complete with 8-day winding clock and moon phase late 1800s
Located in Milan, IT
Earth globe complete with moon phase clock with sphere that rotates over 24 hours and the time is indicated by a brass hand, eight-day charge. French manufacture for the English mark...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Globes

Materials

Brass

American Victorian Globe
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian style globe of the world with a relief supported on a pedestal base stand with 3 legs.   
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Globes

Materials

Wood

Brass Globe Cigarette Holder and Ashtray/Coin Dish, circa 1960
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original mid-century brass cigarette holder with ashtray or coin dish. The lid slides open on the globe's axis to reveal a metal interior designed to hold cigarettes. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Globes

Materials

Metal, Brass

Large 1930s Steel /Cast Iron Military Chalk World Globe Denoyer Geppert
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare c 1930 steel Denoyer Geppert military chalk globe. Globe alone measures 22" in diameter, Retains original patina. Age appropriate wear. Minor dents.(see photo). Original patina ...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Globes

Materials

Steel, Iron

Mid Century Modern Columbus Earth globe by Columbus Verlag Paul Oestergaard
Located in München, DE
Beautiful 1950s Columbus terrestrial globe. Scale 1:48,000,000. Produced by Columbus Verlag Paul Oestergaard K.G. Berlin and Stuttgart. Base made of shiny walnut wood. The globe is m...
Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Globes

Materials

Bakelite, Walnut

Earth globe drafted late 1940s by French geographer J. Forest
Located in Milan, IT
Earth globe redacted at the end of the 1940s by French geographer J. Forest, the cartouche reads Dressé par J. FOREST Géographe - Girard, Barrèere & Thomas Editeurs 17 - 19 Rue de Buci. Paris. In addition to the very well delineated spatial map are depicted the ocean currents and prncipal trade routes of the period. Good condition, good readability. Turned wooden base and aluminum ball coated with printed paper. Height 39 cm - inches 15.4, sphere diameter 23 cm - inches 9. Girard et Barrère...
Category

1940s Vintage Globes

Materials

Paper

German Political Globe JRO Multi-Globus
Located in Vienna, AT
German Globe circa 1960 printed by JRO Globus Munchen, Bauhaus style Fitted with E27 socket from the 1960s.   
Category

1960s German Bauhaus Vintage Globes

Materials

Glass, Wood

Pocket Globe by Nathaniel Hill, London 1754
Located in Milano, IT
Nathaniel Hill Pocket globe London, 1754 The globe is contained in its original case, which itself is covered in shark skin. There are slight gaps in the original paint on the sphere. The case no longer closes. The sphere measures 2.6 in (6.8 cm) in diameter whereas the case measures 2.9 in (7.4 cm) in diameter. lb 0.24 (kg 0.11) The globe is made up of twelve printed paper gores aligned and glued to the sphere. In the North Pacific Ocean there is a scroll with the inscription: A New terrestrial Globe by Nath. Hill, 1754. The celestial globe is depicted on the inside of the box. On the terrestrial globe much of central and southern Africa is empty. North America bears only the name of some British colonies. It shows California as a peninsula and the northwest coast of America as "unknown parts" (Alaska is not described and is only partially delineated; it would become part of the United States in 1867). The route of Admiral Anson is traced (1740) and the trade winds are indicated by arrows. Australia, still named New Holland (the new name would be introduced in 1829), is part of the west coast. (See Van der Krogt, P., Old Globes in the Netherlands, Utrecht 1984, p. 146 and Van der Krogt, P. - Dekker, E., Globes from the Western World, London 1993, p. 115.) Nathaniel Hill (London, news from 1746 to 1768) had impeccable professional credentials: he had done his apprenticeship with Richard Cushee, who at the time was carrying out surveying work for John Senex's Surrey map...
Category

1750s English George II Antique Globes

Materials

Shagreen, Paper

Inlaid Pietra Dura & Brass Terrestrial Desk Globe Attributed to Maitland Smith
Located in Nottingham, GB
This exquisite inlaid Pietra Dura and brass terrestrial desk globe, attributed to the renowned maker Maitland-Smith, is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and design. The globe feat...
Category

20th Century Globes

Materials

Marble

Mid Century Modern 1970s Rotating Replogle World Globe with Brass Floor Stand
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage world map Replogle globe with stand in brass, circa 1970's. This piece rotates on a full swing meridian and displays plenty of vintage charm. The perfect accessory piece for ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Globes

Materials

Brass

A huge pair of 21 inches Cruchley Library Globes
By G.F. Cruchley
Located in ZWIJNDRECHT, NL
G.F. Cruchley (UK, 1796-1880) London ca 1850 A magnificent pair of terrestrial and celestial globes. Equatorial table engraved with the signs of the zodiac and resting on 3 mahogany molded feet held by a compass at the spacer. With graduated brass meridian circles and time clocks. The terrestrial globe is inscribed in a cartouche: Cruchley's new terrestrial globe from the most recent and best authorities. Exhibiting the discoveries in equatorial Africa, north pole. And the new settlements and divisions in Australia, New Zealand, Californa, Texas, &c. London. Sold by Gould and Porter opticians 181 strand WC. The celestial globe is inscribed in a cartouche: Cruchleys new celestial globe on which is accurately laid down the whole of the stars and nebule contained in the astronomical catalogue of the Reverend Mr. Wollaston F.R.S. Also from the authorities Flamstead, De La Caille, Hevellus, Bradley, Herschel, Maskelyne, &c. Ands the limits of each constellation determined by a boundary line. London, published by G.F. Cruchley, map-seller & globe maker, 81 Fleet street. Signed: CRUCHLEY in London England, circa 1850 H. 125 cm Diam. 53 cm (21 inches) Diam. 25 cm compasses The two spheres are in a perfect state of freshness and are perfectly legible. The condition of both the globes is very good. There have been some professional repairs to some damaged gores. The Terrestrial globe in good conserved and legible condition, it has areas of rubbing, retouching, and slight discoloration. The Celestial globe is also in good conserved and legible condition with areas of rubbing, retouching and slight discoloration. The gores themselves have been cleaned and revarnished. The splendid mahogany legs and moulded feet are in first class condition. Each globe consists of 12 hand coloured copper engraved gores over a paper-maché hollow core, made up of two hemispheres joined at the equator and covered with a layer of plaster. There are paper horizon rings, made up of a series of concentric circles, displaying the months of the year, the signs of the zodiac and wind directions. THE TERRESTRIAL GLOBE. The globe provides much detailed information, and was accurate up to the date of production, which in this case is the mid-19th century. It shows the latest discoveries and developments that had taken place. It displays names and territories that were once familiar to the people of the age, 150 years into the future! In Asia for example, there are places like ‘Little Bucharia’, ‘Little and Greater Tartary’, ‘Russia in Asia.’ Undoubtedly, the continent that has changed more than any other is Africa. So many African countries that we know and recognise now, had different, perhaps more ‘Colonial’ names more than a century and a half ago. There was ‘Nubia’ (Sudan/Egypt), ‘Abbyssinia’ (Ethiopia), ‘Cape Colony’ (South Africa), ‘Dahomey’ (Benin) but to name a few. Australia was a little over 50 years away from its union via ‘Federation’ in 1901. This brought about the Commonwealth of Australia. However, in 1850 they were six separate British selfserving colonies, ruled directly from England. In North America, both Los Angeles and San Francisco are incorporated as cities into California - as it becomes the 31st U.S. state. Much of mid-western and western USA were known as ‘The Western Territory’ & ‘The Missouri Territory’, Florida was still refered to as ‘East & West Florida’. Canada was split into ‘Canada East’ & ‘Canada West.’ Canada East was primarily (for historical reasons) French-speaking, and Canada West primarily Englishspeaking. Much of Western Canada remained unexplored and undeveloped. In Europe, there was still the ‘Russian Empire’, the ‘Ottoman Empire’, the ‘AustroHungarian Empire’, and the German ‘Prussian Empire.’ THE CELESTIAL GLOBE. The Celestial Globe displays the stars, the constellations, clusters and nebulae in a beautiful and well thought out manner. Mythical figures and signs of the zodiac are seen. The equinoctial and solistitial colures are graduated in degrees. Although the colour is somewhat muted, it takes nothing away from the overall beauty and the undoubted aesthetic qualities of the globe. Historically, globes are among the most ancient scientific instruments known to man. They can be dated back over two millennia, and are still manufactured to this day. The earliest tradition of globe making is mainly concerned with celestial globes – man...
Category

1850s British Victorian Antique Globes

Materials

Other

A huge pair of 21 inches Cruchley Library Globes
A huge pair of 21 inches Cruchley Library Globes
$133,929 Sale Price / set
25% Off
American Victorian Brass Meridian Globe
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian (circa 1880) globe of the world with a brass meridian and raised on a turned wood pedestal and round base (BAKER, PRATT & CO)
Category

19th Century American Victorian Antique Globes

Materials

Brass

Vintage Surrealist Crystal Sculpture of a Hand Holding the World Globe
Located in Hudson, NY
This heavy and impressive crystal art object made mid-1950s is cast and then carved and engraved. The considerable amount of technical skill required shows a master at his craft. The hand created first then set with the globe second and after cooling the engraved longitude and latitude lines, continents and islands engraved creating the whole. Unsigned but completely worked by hand the piece is simple and dramatic without being overwhelming. It shows a considerable amount of wear on the ground smooth pontil but otherwise is in perfect condition. Condition Disclosure: While we do our best to carefully inspect and give a full report on the condition of any item we sell, pointing out any repairs or alterations that may had been done to the best of our knowledge, as is the case with any antique and vintage item, there is a possibility that at some point in the life of the piece that there may have been damage which has been professionally repaired and as such a repair undetectable it is therefore impossible for us to disclose... we recommend that you also read the 1st dibs user agreement...
Category

Mid-20th Century Globes

Materials

Crystal

Large early 20th century globe on stand by jordglob
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Large early 20th century globe on stand by jordglob circa 1909. Beautiful Swedish globe of generous proportions.  A 1909 globe in good condition suspended on a brass arm, which sits...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Edwardian Globes

Materials

Metal

Vintage Dennoyer-Geppert Celestial Globe
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Dennoyer-Geppert Celestial Globe designed by Commander Stubbs RNR (Royal Navy) for classroom astronomy demonstration purposes (ca. 1930, Chicago, IL.). Composed of paper gores in olive green over a hollow metal core, featuring an adjustable cast-metal meridian with bronze finish and a wood horizon...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Globes

Materials

Metal

Italian Renaissance Metal Desk Globe
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Renaissance-style small metal desk globe on a pewter base and stand
Category

20th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Globes

Materials

Metal

Vintage Petite Illuminated Glass Precision Globe by Replogle
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Diminutive 10" diameter Replogle Precision Globe circa late 1952 / early 1953 (Israel, Korea, and Ethiopia are present). Charming desk / bedside decorative object, given its size (ro...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Globes

Materials

Metal

Vintage Table Globe, English, World Map, 13.5 Inch Diameter, Cartography, C.1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage table globe. An English, paper finished world map with chrome meridian, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960. Fascinating mid-cent...
Category

1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Globes

Materials

Chrome

Beautiful Mid Century Modern glass light globe from JRO Globus Germany
Located in München, DE
Beautiful Mid Century glass light globe from the 60s by JRO Globus. Manufacturer is JRO-Verlag Munich. Very detailed descriptions and in...
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1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Globes

Materials

Aluminum

Globe Earth , Ice Bucket Large Size Mid 20th Century, 42cm
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Large size Ice bucket in the shape of a world ball Beautiful and elegant piece Serve your cocktail with elegance and distinction, with a Victorian style ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Other Globes

Materials

Wood, Paper

Table Top Tellus Globe, Grey and Charcoal
Located in London, GB
This striking piece features a 360mm diameter globe elevated on a dark charcoal veneered stand with caps, brace detailing and a highly polished base in nickel. The globe rests on thr...
Category

2010s British Globes

Materials

Stainless Steel, Nickel

Terrestrial Globe by W. & A.K. Johnston
Located in New Orleans, LA
Measuring a monumental 30 inches in diameter, this impressive globe was crafted by the renowned firm W. & A.K. Johnston. Founded in 1825, the Johnston firm is considered the foremost...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Globes

Materials

Brass

Monumental Italian Renaissance Globe
Located in Queens, NY
Monumental Italian Renaissance-style (19/20th century) globe of world on 6 spool leg base.
Category

20th Century Renaissance Globes

Materials

Wood

Large Terrestrial Library Globe
Located in Nashville, TN
30 inch diameter library globe featuring Oklahoma with Indian territory, circa 1890. Maker is Johnston, Edinburgh, Scotland, a renowned British globe pro...
Category

Late 19th Century Scottish Antique Globes

Materials

Brass

William IV Terrestrial And Celestial Floor Globes By J. W. Cary
Located in New Orleans, LA
This stately pair of William IV Terrestrial and Celestial Globes was crafted by the esteemed mapmaking firm J. & W. Cary, exuding the essence of late Regency-era elegance. Beyond the...
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Globes

Materials

Mahogany

C.S. Hammond & Co. 1950s Inflatable Globe on Tripod Stand
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hammond's International Globe (circa 1955) composed of an inflatable globe on painted metal tripod base. Images and font are large in scale and very l...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Globes

Materials

Metal

Rand McNally Globe by Edward Wormley / Dunbar
Located in Chicago, IL
Rand McNally Globe by Edward Wormley / Dunbar A Tri-Leg Atomic design with Brass Capped Feet. This globe does not Illuminate. It is a Metal Globe. Uncertain if this is the origin...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Globes

Materials

Wood

Crystal Glass Gazing Globe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Glass Globe of the world. A beautiful globe with etched continents against oceans of crystal glass. This globe sits atop a 2" glass cube. Perfect for gazing and daydreaming. A...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Globes

Materials

Crystal

Pair of Early 19th C Cary Celestial & Terrestrial Tabletop Globes
Located in Milford, NH
A fine pair of tabletop globes on stands, the left hand colored Celestial globe with cartouche which reads “Cary's New Celestial Globe on which are corr...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Globes

Materials

Mahogany

Globe by Denoyer Geppert Company
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A graphic and finely fabricated spun steel teaching globe mounted on a weighted stand.
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Globes

Materials

Steel

Vintage Wereldbol Globe met Kompas op Eiken Basis Jaren 40
Located in Poperinge, BE
Beautiful vintage English globe with compass, resting on an oak round base in art deco style, dated 1940s-50s, strangely enough not marked with a makers mark. The map shows French W...
Category

1940s European Vintage Globes

Materials

Wood, Paper

Rand McNally Twelve Inch Terrestrial Globe
Located in Savannah, GA
A Rand, McNally & Co. twelve inch terrestrial globe on cast iron base, first quarter 20th century. 15 inches wide by 12 inches deep by 23 inches tall
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Globes

Materials

Iron

Large-Scale Vintage Military Globe / Activity Globe by A.J. Nystrom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Machine Age-style A.J. Nystrom of Chicago Military or Activity Globe composed of a spun metal blue orb with green slated land masses outlined in yellow. These globes were used by the...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Globes

Materials

Metal

Stylish Mid-20th Century Made, Parisian Terrestrial Desk / Table Globe with Lamp
By J. Forest
Located in Lisse, NL
Quality made, metal and glass desk globe on a wooden base. If you are looking for stylish and beautiful quality items to upgrade your interior (whether at home or in your office) then this Parisian...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Globes

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Art Deco Style 12" Reploge Globemaster World Globe
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 12" fiberglass and metal earth globe by Globemaster Reploge Globes Inc. Chicago. Incredibly stylish piece that stands on a metal base with full detail. This whimsical pi...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Globes

Materials

Metal

Vintage World Globe Oak Base Political Globe Hermann Haack 1950s
Located in Poperinge, BE
Beautiful vintage Dutch globe on a black lacquered oak round base, published by Hermann Haack Gotha for Räth, 1950s, scale 1:38 600 000. This globe was made in the GDR, made of hard...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Globes

Materials

Wood, Paper

Arte International Monumental Engraved Brass Islamic Celestial Globe On Stand
Located in Dayton, OH
Islamic Celestial Globe by Arte International Furnishings. An exceptional large brass Islamic Celestial Globe. The hammered brass sphere constructed from two hemispheres with engra...
Category

Late 20th Century Islamic Globes

Materials

Brass

End XIX century Small Terrestrial Globe Signed C.M.C Paris Papier Maché Sphere
Located in Milan, IT
Small terrestrial globe signed C.M.C. Paris, end of XIX century. Papier maché sphere and turned and ebonized wooden base. Height cm 13 - inches 5.1, diameter of sphere cm 6,5 - inche...
Category

1890s French Antique Globes

Materials

Paper

Antique Terrestrial Globe by German Institute Ráths on Brass and Marble Base
Located in Casteren, NL
Antique terrestrial globe by Prof. Dr. Arthur Krause made by the German institute Ráths. The globe has a scale size of 1 : 38.600.900. The globe rests on...
Category

1930s German Vintage Globes

Materials

Marble, Brass

Art Deco Globe in Brass and Bakelite, 1930s Sweden
Located in Knivsta, SE
1930s Globe in Bakelite and Brass, manufactured by Philips for Swedish organisation Folket i Bild, famous for promoting popular education, civic democracy and engagement. Depicts the...
Category

1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Globes

Materials

Brass

Floor Standing Globe On A Turned Hardwood & Brass Stand Model No 16
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Crams Imperial World Globe Floor Standing Globe On A Turned Hardwood & Brass Stand Model No 16 Manufactured by George F Cram Co. Indiana, U.S.A
Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Globes

Materials

Brass

1950s Replogle Glass Illuminated Precision Globe
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This 10" 'Precision' Globe was manufactured in the early 1950s by Replogle (Chicago, IL) and edited by cartographer, Gustav Brueckmann. Composed of p...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Globes

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage Replogle 10-Inch Globe, circa 1940
Located in Napa, CA
Gorgeous antique Replogle globe, handmade, circa 1940, on metal base. Incredible patina; please review images and inquire for additional con...
Category

1940s American Vintage Globes

Materials

Metal

Pair of George III Globes by J&W Cary Dated 1815 and 1800
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A pair of George III 21 inch globes by J&W Cary, dated 1815 and 1800, set in mahogany stands with turned urn-shaped supports raised on three outsplayed legs with original castors fee...
Category

Early 1800s English Antique Globes

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Hammond's 6-Inch Terrestrial Globe on Stand
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Offered here for your consideration is, A fine antique 6-inch terrestrial globe. Additional Details: By C.S. Hammond & Co. The globe likely dates from 1927 to 1930 due to the ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Art Deco Globes

Materials

Wood, Paper

Pair of 19th Century English J & W Cary Celestial/Terrestrial Table Model Globes
Located in Milford, NH
A fine assembled pair of 12-inch English table model globes on stands manufactured by J & W. Cary, the left globe with cartouche labeled “The New Celestial Globe, on which are correc...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Globes

Materials

Brass

Globe, Late 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Terrestrial globe, realized in the late 20th century in plastic to imitate hard stones, with the golden metal axis and black resin base. In very goo...
Category

Late 20th Century European Globes

Materials

Metal

Replogle Vintage American Globe on Metal Stand
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage American Modern globe of the world resting on a curved cantilevered black metal stand (REPLOGLE) Globe 16" DIA
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Globes

Materials

Metal, Brass

Midcentury Globe on Smoked Lucite Stand
Located in San Diego, CA
Large midcentury globe on smoked Lucite stand by National Geographic, circa 1970s. This a very cool piece with removable and super colorful 16" D glo...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Globes

Materials

Lucite

Vintage School Globe by Nystrom
By Lennart Nyström
Located in New York, NY
Vintage school globe by Nystrom. USA, circa 1950. Features bold green continents on blue ocean, mounted on a metal base with swivel mechanism.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Globes

Materials

Metal

Vintage School Globe by Nystrom
$950 Sale Price
60% Off
Italian Renaissance Chrome Armillary
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Renaissance-style (20th Century) chrome armillary globe with a rust patina.
Category

20th Century American Renaissance Revival Globes

Materials

Chrome

Celestial Table Globe by Harris and Son
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A 12 inch celestial table globe by Harris and Son, the horizon ring, with the original papers, set on four turned mahogany legs, the label statin...
Category

1810s English Antique Globes

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-Century Modern Replogle Globe on Iron Stand by Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and iconic mid-century globe designed by Paul McCobb for his Planner Group line, manufactured by Replogle and presented on its original minimalist iron stand. This 16-inch dia...
Category

1950s Vintage Globes

Materials

Iron

20thC British "Geographica" Globe Held By Bronze Atlas Statue c.1920
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 20th Century British "Geographica" terrestrial globe. Made by Geographica of Fleet St, London. The globe dates to around 1920 and is in superb condition. It is perched on the...
Category

20th Century British Other Globes

Materials

Bronze

Rand McNally Illuminated Globe with Stand by Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Illuminating globe on a mahogany stand designed by Edward Wormley for map company Rand McNally. The globe features three mahogany legs with stainless steel capped feet. The globe has...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Globes

Materials

Stainless Steel

Illuminated Glass World Globe on Mahogany Stand by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mahogany sculptural globe stand supported by brass sabots originally designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in 1953. The globe itself is a 16" Rand McNally Terrestrial globe...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Globes

Materials

Brass

A Large-Sized Italian Heavily Foxed Velum Covered Globe on Wood Stand, 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian 19th century large globe on wooden stand. This velum covered globe is heavily foxed and has nice age to it which makes only the countries on the lower half of the globe vi...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Globes

Materials

Wood

Celestial Globe, Sweden, Early 19th Century
Located in Kastrup, DK
Black wooden celestial globe in original condition. Blackened wood, horizon circle and brass rings with longitude measurements. Mounted on wooden stand with turned legs and bun fee...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Globes

Materials

Wood

Antique, New and Vintage Globes

Antique and vintage globes can prove unique and interesting accents to your living space, whether on their own as provocative conversation pieces or part of a small collection dotting the shelves where your sculptures and other decorative objects live.

Globes are among the most ancient of scientific instruments. During the Age of Exploration, they were vital for navigation, bringing sailors home after perilous journeys on different trade routes. Globes didn’t just detail continental formations, they might also show astronomical positions — adventurous seafarers of the day would rely on stars’ positions in traveling the great waters ahead of them. Antique globes offer a glimpse into specific time periods and how peoples of the past navigated the world around them. These were tools that identified a region’s borders, the names of countries, territories and more as the Earth’s geography was once known or imagined. As information about a place became available to geographers over time, globes became more accurate.

Not all globes depict the Earth and its countries, landmasses and bodies of water. The models that do are known as terrestrial globes, while globes that detail the position of the stars and other heavenly bodies are called celestial globes.

Quite surprisingly, the construction of globes remains relatively unchanged from the 16th century. The base starts as two papier-mâché hemispheres, which have a wooden support pillar attached via the north and south poles. The hemispheres are joined with glue or sewn with string and are subsequently topped with more paper or even thin fabric. Lastly, the globe is covered with plaster, ready for the design to be pasted on top.

Perhaps even more surprising is that the decorative function of globes has not changed much since the 16th century. They’ve been given as gifts for hundreds of years, as globes have always been beautiful objects whether they’re in your home office or your living room, lining your mantel alongside other globes of different sizes. Recent globe designs offer modern variations in style and features, such as interior lighting, automatic rotation and more.

Today, vintage trunks and luggage have reappeared as furniture or decorative home accents in a bedroom or foyer. This likely owes to wanderlust, nostalgia and a shared love of good design. Decorating with globes is similarly rooted in the allure of travel and a penchant for the stylish finishing touch that collectibles bring to our homes. Antique globes add welcome doses of color and contrast to a house or apartment’s neutral corners, their sea blues and algae greens popping against reclaimed wood interiors or stone fireplaces.

On 1stDibs, you can find a collection of authentic antique and vintage globes including mid-century modernGeorgianArt Deco editions and more.

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