Terrestrial table globe - Rare WWII German Reich – Dietrich Reimer, Berlin – 1939/1940 – Historical Political Cartography - 1930-1940
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Antique German terrestrial globe dating to 1939–1940, produced in Berlin by Dietrich Reimer for Deutsche Buch-Gemeinschaft, made of papier-mâché and chestnut wood, about 50 cm high and 32 cm in diameter, in good condition with minor signs of aging.
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Description from the seller
Rare German Historical Terrestrial Globe – Dietrich Reimer, Berlin – 1939/1940
An exceptional historical terrestrial globe from the outbreak of the Second World War, featuring fascinating political cartography reflecting one of the most dramatic periods of territorial transformation in twentieth-century history.
Produced in Berlin by the renowned Kartographisches Institut Dietrich Reimer (Andrews & Steiner) for the Deutsche Buch-Gemeinschaft, this impressive globe is attributed to the exceptionally significant period of 1939–1940.
Its historical geographical details, beautifully coloured cartography and substantial dimensions make it a particularly attractive collector's piece.
Historical Significance – The World in 1939/1940
What makes this globe especially fascinating is its representation of the political geography of the world at the beginning of the Second World War.
The cartography preserves historical national boundaries, colonial territories and geographical designations that subsequently disappeared or underwent major transformations.
Particularly noteworthy are:
Italian East Africa (Italienisch Ostafrika): reflecting the Italian colonial administration established in 1936 and dismantled during the East African campaign of 1940–1941.
British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland: historical territorial divisions in the Horn of Africa.
French Equatorial Africa: the former French colonial federation in Central Africa.
Belgian Congo and Portuguese Angola: illustrating the colonial political geography of Africa before decolonisation.
Europe during a period of major territorial upheaval: a fascinating cartographic record of the political landscape surrounding the outbreak of the Second World War.
These geographical details give the globe considerable historical interest, making it more than a decorative object: it is a remarkable representation of a world undergoing profound political change.
The proposed dating of 1939–1940 is based on its historical cartography and period characteristics.
Publisher – Dietrich Reimer, Berlin
The original cartographic imprint reads:
"Erdglobus der Deutschen Buch-Gemeinschaft – Hergestellt von dem Kartographischen Institut Dietrich Reimer (Andrews & Steiner), Berlin."
Dietrich Reimer was a prestigious German cartographic publishing house, established in Berlin during the nineteenth century and internationally recognised for its maps, atlases, geographical publications and terrestrial globes.
Its cartographic productions were distinguished by their geographical precision, detailed engraving, refined colour printing and educational importance.
This globe was manufactured for the Deutsche Buch-Gemeinschaft, combining the cartographic expertise of Dietrich Reimer with the German tradition of educational and geographical publishing.
Design and Construction
The globe displays exceptionally detailed multicoloured cartography, featuring:
Historical political boundaries and colonial territories
Mountain ranges, rivers, cities and geographical landmarks
Maritime routes and international shipping connections
Ocean currents and prevailing geographical circulation patterns
Latitude and longitude lines
Original German geographical nomenclature
The rich colour palette of orange, green, yellow, blue and soft pink creates a particularly attractive visual composition.
The globe is supported by an elegant graduated metal meridian, mounted on a substantial circular wooden base with a beautiful warm walnut-toned finish and authentic aged patina.
Its large dimensions and classic construction give the piece an impressive sculptural presence, making it equally suitable for historical collections and refined interiors.
Dimensions and Technical Details
Manufacturer: Dietrich Reimer (Andrews & Steiner)
Edition: Deutsche Buch-Gemeinschaft
Origin: Berlin, Germany
Period: 1939–1940 (cartographic attribution)
Overall height: 50 cm
Globe diameter: approximately 32–33 cm
Globe circumference: approximately 100–105 cm
Wooden base diameter: 20 cm
Cartographic scale: 1:38,000,000
Graduated metal meridian
Circular wooden base with walnut-toned finish
Condition – Authentic Historical Patina
The globe is preserved in good overall condition considering its approximately 85 years of age.
The historical cartography remains extensively legible, with attractive original colours and an appealing naturally aged appearance.
The surface displays age-related wear, small abrasions, areas of discolouration and signs of handling consistent with its considerable age.
Particular attention should be paid to the equatorial joining line between the two hemispheres, where visible wear and some separation of the printed surface can be observed, as documented in the detailed photographs.
Despite these age-related imperfections, the globe retains its impressive visual appearance and historical character.
The substantial wooden base displays natural surface marks and a warm vintage patina. Its exact originality to the globe has not been independently verified.
The object is presented in its existing condition, without any restoration being claimed, preserving its authentic historical appearance.
Collector's Interest
This is a fascinating example of German historical cartography from the Second World War era.
Its distinctive appeal lies in the combination of an established Berlin cartographic publisher, historical political geography, impressive dimensions and attractive period design.
A particularly interesting acquisition for collectors of:
Antique and vintage terrestrial globes
Historical cartography and geographical instruments
Second World War-era historical objects
German scientific and educational instruments
Twentieth-century European history
Vintage library and study-room furnishings
A striking historical globe, preserving the geographical image of a world on the threshold of profound transformation.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and accurately document the object's condition.
Seller's Story
Archivio51 is a business specializing in the research, selection and sale of vintage, design and collectible objects, chosen for their authenticity, aesthetic quality, history and character.
The selection mainly includes interior complements and decorative objects, vintage lighting, globes and maps, perpetual desk calendars, pharmacy and apothecary items, display mannequins and busts, walking sticks, objects in bronze, brass, marble, onyx and wood, industrial and workshop items, signs, decorative containers and other small collectible items.
Each piece is individually researched and selected, with particular attention to its period, provenance, materials, craftsmanship, original patina and condition. When possible, the object is also studied and contextualized to reconstruct its history, era and function.
Archivio51 operates primarily through online sales platforms, addressing collectors, vintage and design enthusiasts, interior designers and international clients seeking original and uncommon objects.
The goal is not merely to sell used objects, but to bring pieces with a story back to light and give them a new place, preserving their identity, charm and authenticity.
Archivio51 – Selection of uncommon, timeless objects.
Translated by Google TranslateRare German Historical Terrestrial Globe – Dietrich Reimer, Berlin – 1939/1940
An exceptional historical terrestrial globe from the outbreak of the Second World War, featuring fascinating political cartography reflecting one of the most dramatic periods of territorial transformation in twentieth-century history.
Produced in Berlin by the renowned Kartographisches Institut Dietrich Reimer (Andrews & Steiner) for the Deutsche Buch-Gemeinschaft, this impressive globe is attributed to the exceptionally significant period of 1939–1940.
Its historical geographical details, beautifully coloured cartography and substantial dimensions make it a particularly attractive collector's piece.
Historical Significance – The World in 1939/1940
What makes this globe especially fascinating is its representation of the political geography of the world at the beginning of the Second World War.
The cartography preserves historical national boundaries, colonial territories and geographical designations that subsequently disappeared or underwent major transformations.
Particularly noteworthy are:
Italian East Africa (Italienisch Ostafrika): reflecting the Italian colonial administration established in 1936 and dismantled during the East African campaign of 1940–1941.
British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland: historical territorial divisions in the Horn of Africa.
French Equatorial Africa: the former French colonial federation in Central Africa.
Belgian Congo and Portuguese Angola: illustrating the colonial political geography of Africa before decolonisation.
Europe during a period of major territorial upheaval: a fascinating cartographic record of the political landscape surrounding the outbreak of the Second World War.
These geographical details give the globe considerable historical interest, making it more than a decorative object: it is a remarkable representation of a world undergoing profound political change.
The proposed dating of 1939–1940 is based on its historical cartography and period characteristics.
Publisher – Dietrich Reimer, Berlin
The original cartographic imprint reads:
"Erdglobus der Deutschen Buch-Gemeinschaft – Hergestellt von dem Kartographischen Institut Dietrich Reimer (Andrews & Steiner), Berlin."
Dietrich Reimer was a prestigious German cartographic publishing house, established in Berlin during the nineteenth century and internationally recognised for its maps, atlases, geographical publications and terrestrial globes.
Its cartographic productions were distinguished by their geographical precision, detailed engraving, refined colour printing and educational importance.
This globe was manufactured for the Deutsche Buch-Gemeinschaft, combining the cartographic expertise of Dietrich Reimer with the German tradition of educational and geographical publishing.
Design and Construction
The globe displays exceptionally detailed multicoloured cartography, featuring:
Historical political boundaries and colonial territories
Mountain ranges, rivers, cities and geographical landmarks
Maritime routes and international shipping connections
Ocean currents and prevailing geographical circulation patterns
Latitude and longitude lines
Original German geographical nomenclature
The rich colour palette of orange, green, yellow, blue and soft pink creates a particularly attractive visual composition.
The globe is supported by an elegant graduated metal meridian, mounted on a substantial circular wooden base with a beautiful warm walnut-toned finish and authentic aged patina.
Its large dimensions and classic construction give the piece an impressive sculptural presence, making it equally suitable for historical collections and refined interiors.
Dimensions and Technical Details
Manufacturer: Dietrich Reimer (Andrews & Steiner)
Edition: Deutsche Buch-Gemeinschaft
Origin: Berlin, Germany
Period: 1939–1940 (cartographic attribution)
Overall height: 50 cm
Globe diameter: approximately 32–33 cm
Globe circumference: approximately 100–105 cm
Wooden base diameter: 20 cm
Cartographic scale: 1:38,000,000
Graduated metal meridian
Circular wooden base with walnut-toned finish
Condition – Authentic Historical Patina
The globe is preserved in good overall condition considering its approximately 85 years of age.
The historical cartography remains extensively legible, with attractive original colours and an appealing naturally aged appearance.
The surface displays age-related wear, small abrasions, areas of discolouration and signs of handling consistent with its considerable age.
Particular attention should be paid to the equatorial joining line between the two hemispheres, where visible wear and some separation of the printed surface can be observed, as documented in the detailed photographs.
Despite these age-related imperfections, the globe retains its impressive visual appearance and historical character.
The substantial wooden base displays natural surface marks and a warm vintage patina. Its exact originality to the globe has not been independently verified.
The object is presented in its existing condition, without any restoration being claimed, preserving its authentic historical appearance.
Collector's Interest
This is a fascinating example of German historical cartography from the Second World War era.
Its distinctive appeal lies in the combination of an established Berlin cartographic publisher, historical political geography, impressive dimensions and attractive period design.
A particularly interesting acquisition for collectors of:
Antique and vintage terrestrial globes
Historical cartography and geographical instruments
Second World War-era historical objects
German scientific and educational instruments
Twentieth-century European history
Vintage library and study-room furnishings
A striking historical globe, preserving the geographical image of a world on the threshold of profound transformation.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and accurately document the object's condition.
Seller's Story
Archivio51 is a business specializing in the research, selection and sale of vintage, design and collectible objects, chosen for their authenticity, aesthetic quality, history and character.
The selection mainly includes interior complements and decorative objects, vintage lighting, globes and maps, perpetual desk calendars, pharmacy and apothecary items, display mannequins and busts, walking sticks, objects in bronze, brass, marble, onyx and wood, industrial and workshop items, signs, decorative containers and other small collectible items.
Each piece is individually researched and selected, with particular attention to its period, provenance, materials, craftsmanship, original patina and condition. When possible, the object is also studied and contextualized to reconstruct its history, era and function.
Archivio51 operates primarily through online sales platforms, addressing collectors, vintage and design enthusiasts, interior designers and international clients seeking original and uncommon objects.
The goal is not merely to sell used objects, but to bring pieces with a story back to light and give them a new place, preserving their identity, charm and authenticity.
Archivio51 – Selection of uncommon, timeless objects.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Specific region of origin
Berlin
Wood type
Chestnut
Paper type
Papier-mache
Diameter
32 cm
Era
1900-2000
Type
Terrestrial table globe
Number of objects
1
Designer/artist/maker
Rare WWII German Reich – Dietrich Reimer, Berlin – 1939/1940 – Historical Political Cartography
Material
Paper, Wood
Country of origin
Germany
Style
Antique
Colour
Multicolour
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
50 cm
Width
32 cm
Depth
32 cm
Estimated period
1930-1940
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