Illuminated Glass Globes were manufactured for only a short period in the US, from the early 1930’s to the 1950’s. It was a very labor intensive product, as each map gore (the paper strips the map is made of) had to be placed onto the globe by hand.Most globe companies replaced glass globes with plastic as it became more common and most of all was much more economical to produce. However, no plastic globe offers nearly an ambiance as only the illuminated glow of a glass globe can. The warm glow of the perfectly aged patina compliments the refined wooden base. Diameter of the orb is 12 inches with a total height of 18 inches, quite majestic in display. A handsome piece, equally functional and decorative, demonstrating understated elegance at its best. The political legend of this particular model displays Tibet as an independent nation, which is of interest to any political history buff and collector: From 1911-1951, Tibet functioned as an independent nation, conducting all governmental functions without interference from China or any other country. Nevertheless, its international status was ambivalent since China continued to claim Tibet as part of its state and the relevant Western countries like Britain and the United States refused to recognize Tibetan independence. Therefore it was quite rare for Globe Manufacture to display Tibet as an independent country on their maps. $465 — Item #: 413REPILLACRFT49 - SOLD