Terrestrial Globe Illuminated, Germany by Jro Verlag

A creamy globe on a chrome pedestal, with Atlantischer Ozean written across the sea.

This illuminated terrestrial globe is by Jro Verlag, from Munich, Germany, and is dated 1958. It is glass and faux wood. Illuminated globes, lit from inside by a bulb, became popular in the mid 20th century as both teaching tools and handsome desk lamps. The sphere shows the continents in soft yellow, green and pink on a pale cream ocean, with labels in German. A brushed metal meridian marked with degrees curves around one side. It rests on a domed chrome collar and an oval base finished to look like polished wood. It is 10 inches wide and 13 high.

Equally good at geography and at mood lighting.