This pair of terrestrial and celestial Globes in form of bookends offer a classic minimalistic Bauhaus design. Combining the white shellacked wood with polished aluminum creates a classic display of sophisticated elegance. A fine Cold War Era artifact. Made by Columbus of Germany c 1960s, this pair consists of actual political and celestial Globes, offering exceptionally detailed maps. A true witness of the Cold War Era as both globes are marked MADE IN WEST GERMANY. Both Globes are scientific instruments, accurate for their time. The terrestrial Globe displays political borders as the celestial globes identifies nebulas, zodiacs, constellations and the Milky Way among other details. 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. Columbus 1909 – current Berlin & Stuttgart
Paul Oestergaard started producing globes in 1909 with the thought in mind: “A Columbus Globe for every home.”
His attention to detail, forward thinking in design and variety of models helped Oestergaard become one of the top globe makers of his time. He quickly started producing globes in 24 languages. In 1942, the company suffered a tremendous loss of people, production buildings and offices due to bombings (during WW2). The family struggled, but diligently continued producing globes by working out of their homes. Post WW2, the second generation Paul Oestergaard Jr. attempted to locate all former employees to rebuild the Columbus Verlag. However, due to the Russian blockade of Berlin in 1948, most of the facilities were re-located into a politically more stable area in the south of Germany, Stuttgart. 
This is reflected in the cartouche of the globes as it identifies the location of manufacture. If the cartouche mentions Stuttgart, it is a post-WW2 Globe. Today, the company is one of the largest family owned globe producers in the world. Age of the artifact is based on political borders displayed which are as follows: United Arab Republic is present, a venture between Egypt and Syria that lasted only a few years (1958-61). Colonies are no longer visible in Africa, which ceased to exist in 1960). Description: The terrestrial model is a standard Student Globe. The celestial Globe identifies constellations, zodiacs, the Milky Way and more. All language is in German. Both Globes are covered in 12 individual paper gores with two polar calottes and have aluminum half meridian. Diameter of the spheres is about 5 inches with a total height of about 7 inches. Condition: The spheres are exceptionally well preserved, minimal wear in form of soiling , scuffing, corrosion or anything else. The bookend bases show some age as the finish has slightly worn. These exceptional design statements will be well packed and shipped domestic for $12.00. International shipping is $39.00 $399 — Item : 0313COLBKND60 - Sold