An elegant 1928 German terrestrial Globe by Columbus with exceptionally detailed map, celebrating the virgin international flight of the LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin Germany – USA (October 1928). Most intriguing is the extensive and prolific legend. It shows the industrial as well agricultural products of each country, from oil drilling and mining to harvests of rubber as well as wheat and rice…and so much more. One can spend hours just reviewing the map. It captured a moment in time, identifying trade and economics of each nation as of 1928. Celebrating the advancement of human flight, clearly identified is the virgin round – trip route between the USA Germany of the Graf Zeppelin (October 1928). Commercial shipping routes are not just identified but also displayed by popularity (widest route is the most popular traveled). Also included is the original instruction booklet of this fine artifact made by Columbus of Germany. About the importance of the Graf Zeppelin trip of October 1928: LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin (Deutsches Luftschiff Zeppelin #127; Registration: D-LZ 127) was a German-built and -operated, passenger carrying, hydrogen-filled, rigid airship, which operated commercially from 1928 to 1937. It was named after the German pioneer of airships, Ferdinand von Zeppelin, who was a Graf or Count in the German nobility. During its operating life, the airship made 590 flights covering more than a million miles (1.6 million km). It was designed to be operated by a crew of 36 officers and men. In October 1928 the Graf Zeppelin made its first intercontinental trip, a 9,926 km (6,168 mi), 111 hour crossing from Friedrichshafen to Lakehurst with Dr. Eckener in command. Capt. Ernst Lehmann, who would be killed in the crash of the Hindenburg at Lakehurst eight and a half years later, served as First Officer on the flight and U.S. Navy LCDR Charles E. Rosendahl, commander of the ZR-3 USS Los Angeles (ex-LZ 126), made the westward journey during which he also stood watch as a regular ship's officer.[19] Despite encountering heavy headwinds and stormy weather, Eckener had repeated the success of his first transatlantic crossing four years earlier when he delivered the LZ-126 to the U.S. Navy in October 1924 and was welcomed enthusiastically then both with a "ticker tape" parade in New York and a subsequent invitation to the White House. Ref. Wikipidia Politically also very interesting model as the map fails to document the effect of the treaty of Versailles post WWI (1914-1918). As part of the treaty, Germany lost ownership over its African colonies. On this Globe the colonies remain to be seen as German. This handsome artifact of understated elegance and refined engraving is a delight for the eye and inspiring for the mind. Description: Quite majestic in size, this artifact displays sophisticated elegance. The 13 inch diameter pasteboard orb is covered by 12 individual, hand applied paper gores and two polar callotes. Refined engraving and a detailed map offer superb subjects of interest. The sphere is mounted into a beautiful metal stamped half meridian. The solid oak, Arts and Craft styled base encloses a functional compass and provides a sophisticated feel of understated elegance. Total height of this piece of history is 26 inches. LAnguage of the map and booklet is German. Condition: Exceptionally well preserved, the artifact has crisp details,rich coloring and no loss of map. Minor scuffing and a perfectly aged patina provides the warm, vintage look so desirable. The entire mount is also in very good condition, no cracks or splits. Compass is fully functional. The age of the artifact is based on the publishing date of the booklet and political display, which is as follows: Effects of treaty of Versailles are present: Post WW1 German borders. Leningrad instead of Petrograd (changed 1924). Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania are shown independent (1926-33). Constantinople instead of Istanbul (ch 1930).Central Australia is visible (1926-31). Well packed, this globe will ship domestic for $25, $65 international. $699 — Item #: 1013COLZEP28 - SOLD