Terrestrial "Machine Age" Globe, Illuminated

The world, lit from inside, on a base that could pass for a hood ornament.

This terrestrial Machine Age globe, illuminated, comes from the United States and dates to the early 20th century, in glass and aluminum. Illuminated globes like this were made for homes, offices and classrooms, to teach geography and to show off modern design, with streamlined metal and glowing glass suggesting speed and progress. The globe sits in a swept aluminum cradle with a stepped, winged base and a pull chain. India and Asia face forward, in orange and yellow, across a green Indian Ocean. Thirteen and a quarter inches high, 10.5 wide, 9.25 deep.

Several borders have moved since. The base is still going fast.