According to the manufacture (and verified by the Globe Museum of the National Library of Austria), this Cram's model was inspired by the sculpture depicting the Ancient Greek Titan Atlas holding the heavens, a 45 foot tall statue located in Rockefeller Center, New York. Like the original, (designed and cast in 1936 by Lee Lawrie and Rene Chambellan), the statue’s exaggerated musculature and stylized body are characteristic of the Art Deco style. (Wikipedia.org). Obtainable only by the most affluent of society, this exquisite model was, and is still today, a statement piece that demands attention wherever displayed. It has become the most iconic American made globe of the 20th century. Adding to the allure of the original model, this version was made for the French market in Canada and Europe. A small number were made, few have survived and almost none are still this beautifully preserved. When illuminated, this handsome statue offers an intimate ambiance. Individual, hand applied paper gores over a glass orb reminds one of a craft from the past. Illuminated Glass Globes had been made for a rather short period, from only the mid 1930s to early 1960s. It was a labor intensive and time consuming product, as each paper gore had to be hand applied over each blown glass orb. Eventually replaced by the more economical plastic sphere, no modern globe can replace the beautiful, warm ambiance a vintage illuminated glass globe provides. Politically of interest may be the newly created Israel, highlighted in red, identifying the post WW2 era. No matter if you are looking for a sophisticated Art Deco Object de Art or a future heirloom for generations to come, this handsome master piece will meet all those needs. With the artifact you will also receive a facsimile advert of the original catalog page.  Finished in bronze and copper over cast metal, the majestic artifact stands 23 inches tall with a 12 (30.5 cm) diameter glass orb labeled entirely in French. The glass orb is surrounded by a full brass meridian that sits atop the atlas base. The map presents a simplified color scheme with a deep green for the oceans and yellow land masses. Depicting a post World War 2 era, the map identifies a Germany before its division. The Philippines are free from the United States (1946) but Israel has not yet been created nor is Pakistan visible (1948-47). The 12 paper gores are in remarkably good shape for their age with only minor wear. There is a small nick and a minor pinhole that are clearly shown in the photos. The orb has been professionally cleaned. The Atlas Statue has been preserved extremely well as it is solid and strong. However, while offering the perfect vintage look, there is minor wear to the wooden base. Lighting is functional and is operated by a simple switch at the base of the orb. The age of the globe has been determined by political borders displayed, which are as follows: The post war map of the world is shown with an independant Lebanon (1944) and Philippines (1946) but Israel has not yet been formed (1948), Korea is not shown to be divided at the 38 parallel (1953), India and Pakistan are shown together (1947). Exceptionally rare, the more common English version of this object d’art can even be found at the National Library of Austria Globe Museum. This is more than just a fine investment; we are offering an heirloom for generations to come. Secure, domestic shipping will be $55.00. Please inquire for international shipping. $1295 — Item : 0418CRMATL46