Terrestrial table globe - Rare JENA Optik Advertising World Globe – Carl Zeiss Heritage – East Germany DDR – c. 1957 - 1950-1960
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€ 4
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Selected by Elena Napoleone
Holds a bachelor's degree in history of art and architecture, with 12 years of experience in decorative arts.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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A mid‑century terrestrial table globe dating from circa 1957, with a papier‑mache globe on an oak wooden base, produced in Germany as JENA Optik advertising memorabilia linked to Carl Zeiss heritage.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Rare JENA Optik Advertising Globe – Carl Zeiss Heritage – East Germany (DDR), circa 1957
An exceptionally charming and unusual vintage advertising desk globe, bearing the historic inscription “JENA – Ursprung der modernen Optik” (Jena – The Origin of Modern Optics).
This distinctive miniature globe combines the craftsmanship of traditional German cartography with the fascinating industrial heritage of Jena, the historic birthplace of Carl Zeiss optical manufacturing.
Historical Background
Jena became internationally renowned as a centre of scientific innovation and precision optics following the establishment of Carl Zeiss's optical workshop in 1846.
After the Second World War, the division of Germany resulted in separate Zeiss operations in East and West Germany, making advertising material associated with Jena particularly interesting to collectors of industrial and technological history.
The wooden base bears the prominent inscription “JENA”, together with the surrounding German wording “Ursprung der modernen Optik”, referring to this remarkable optical heritage.
Original East German Cartography
The globe itself carries its original manufacturer's cartographic information:
Political Earth Globe (Politischer Erdglobus)
Cartography by Prof. Dr. Arthur Krause
Publisher: Paul Räth Nachf. K.G., Leipzig
Printing: VEB Hermann Haack, Werk Leipzig
Made in DDR (German Democratic Republic)
Printing reference: K 1/57
These markings suggest a production date around 1957, placing the globe in the fascinating post-war period of divided Germany.
The detailed political geography, period country names, finely printed lettering and softly aged original colours provide an authentic visual record of the world during the Cold War.
Design and Construction
The globe is mounted on a beautifully finished circular wooden base with original engraved advertising inscriptions.
A curved metal support holds the globe above the base, complemented by wooden fittings and a small metal finial at the North Pole.
Its compact dimensions and elegant proportions make it particularly suitable for display in a collector's cabinet, vintage office, library or interior dedicated to scientific and industrial antiques.
Condition
Very good original vintage condition, with attractive and authentic age-related patina.
The globe retains its original cartographic surface, showing natural ageing, gentle discolouration and minor superficial wear consistent with its age.
No visible dents, major deformations, tears or significant structural damage.
The wooden base preserves its original finish and engraved advertising inscriptions, with attractive signs of age and use.
The metal components display natural surface ageing.
An appealing, unrestored example with considerable vintage character.
Dimensions
Total height: approximately 18 cm
Globe diameter: approximately 12–13 cm
Globe circumference: approximately 40 cm
Wooden base diameter: approximately 10 cm
Collectible Interest
A fascinating combination of vintage advertising, German industrial heritage, Cold War history and mid-century cartography.
Particularly appealing to collectors of historic globes, German optical instruments, Carl Zeiss-related memorabilia, scientific antiques and advertising objects.
A distinctive and increasingly difficult-to-find type of promotional desk accessory, retaining its authentic period appearance.
The photographs form an integral part of the description and accurately illustrate the item'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 JENA Optik Advertising Globe – Carl Zeiss Heritage – East Germany (DDR), circa 1957
An exceptionally charming and unusual vintage advertising desk globe, bearing the historic inscription “JENA – Ursprung der modernen Optik” (Jena – The Origin of Modern Optics).
This distinctive miniature globe combines the craftsmanship of traditional German cartography with the fascinating industrial heritage of Jena, the historic birthplace of Carl Zeiss optical manufacturing.
Historical Background
Jena became internationally renowned as a centre of scientific innovation and precision optics following the establishment of Carl Zeiss's optical workshop in 1846.
After the Second World War, the division of Germany resulted in separate Zeiss operations in East and West Germany, making advertising material associated with Jena particularly interesting to collectors of industrial and technological history.
The wooden base bears the prominent inscription “JENA”, together with the surrounding German wording “Ursprung der modernen Optik”, referring to this remarkable optical heritage.
Original East German Cartography
The globe itself carries its original manufacturer's cartographic information:
Political Earth Globe (Politischer Erdglobus)
Cartography by Prof. Dr. Arthur Krause
Publisher: Paul Räth Nachf. K.G., Leipzig
Printing: VEB Hermann Haack, Werk Leipzig
Made in DDR (German Democratic Republic)
Printing reference: K 1/57
These markings suggest a production date around 1957, placing the globe in the fascinating post-war period of divided Germany.
The detailed political geography, period country names, finely printed lettering and softly aged original colours provide an authentic visual record of the world during the Cold War.
Design and Construction
The globe is mounted on a beautifully finished circular wooden base with original engraved advertising inscriptions.
A curved metal support holds the globe above the base, complemented by wooden fittings and a small metal finial at the North Pole.
Its compact dimensions and elegant proportions make it particularly suitable for display in a collector's cabinet, vintage office, library or interior dedicated to scientific and industrial antiques.
Condition
Very good original vintage condition, with attractive and authentic age-related patina.
The globe retains its original cartographic surface, showing natural ageing, gentle discolouration and minor superficial wear consistent with its age.
No visible dents, major deformations, tears or significant structural damage.
The wooden base preserves its original finish and engraved advertising inscriptions, with attractive signs of age and use.
The metal components display natural surface ageing.
An appealing, unrestored example with considerable vintage character.
Dimensions
Total height: approximately 18 cm
Globe diameter: approximately 12–13 cm
Globe circumference: approximately 40 cm
Wooden base diameter: approximately 10 cm
Collectible Interest
A fascinating combination of vintage advertising, German industrial heritage, Cold War history and mid-century cartography.
Particularly appealing to collectors of historic globes, German optical instruments, Carl Zeiss-related memorabilia, scientific antiques and advertising objects.
A distinctive and increasingly difficult-to-find type of promotional desk accessory, retaining its authentic period appearance.
The photographs form an integral part of the description and accurately illustrate the item'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
Era
1900-2000
Diameter
13 cm
Paper type
Papier-mache
Wood type
Oak
Type
Terrestrial table globe
Number of objects
1
Material
Paper, Wood
Designer/artist/maker
Rare JENA Optik Advertising World Globe – Carl Zeiss Heritage – East Germany DDR – c. 1957
Country of origin
Germany
Style
Mid-century modern
Colour
Multicolour
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
18 cm
Width
13 cm
Depth
13 cm
Estimated period
1950-1960
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