French Terrestrial Globe Illuminated

The world, in French, lit from inside.

Makers in France produced this illuminated terrestrial globe in glass in the mid 20th century. Illuminated globes were commonly made as desk and library pieces, glowing when switched on. The sphere is printed in muted tones, with Africa at the center of view in tan, green and ochre, and the oceans washed in grey-green with faint current lines. It rests on a round silver-colored metal base that tilts it just off true. The colors are soft and a little weathered.

About 12 inches tall. Turn it, and every room has a continent to point at.