Rand McNally has been making globes and maps since the 1880's and this model is one of their most beautiful. Made in the late 1940's, this globe is the culmination of 60 years of craft - impeccable cartography, beautifully worked colors and simple, yet, functional lighting. The current revival of the Mid-Century Modernist Style has made this globe once again a desirable collector’s piece. When illuminated, the artifact provides an intimate, warm ambiance. This object de art offers beauty for the eye and interesting history for the mind. Political display reflects the world of 1948-49 as it emerges from WW2 and the dawn of the Cold War approaches: Israel has been created (1948) but neither Vietnam nor Korea is divided (1953). Large territories like French West Africa and Belgian Congo still have Africa locked in colonialism. In Europe one can see the post WW2 boundaries as countries like Poland have reemerged and shifted to the west. Description: The orb itself is made of glass, covered by 12 individual, hand applied paper gores representing the map. When illuminated, the sphere offers a warm ambiance as only vintage glass globes can. Mounted onto a pedestal base that houses the lighting components, the globe has a simple elegance. A brass knob controls the light. Globe has a diameter of 9 inches and a total height of 12 inches. Condition: Overall exceptionally well preserved and fully functional. Minor, age appropriate wear in form of soiling to the edges of the gores and minor scratching. Well packed, this artifact well ship for $25.00 domestic, $42.00 Worldwide. $295 — Item #: 1117RNDMCNILL49