Räth / Arthur Krause – GDR, Leipzig - 1950-1960

Miniature political globe of the world, “Räths Politischer Erdglobus,” manufactured in the German Democratic Republic (GDR), most likely in the second half of the 1950s.

An original product by the renowned Leipzig cartographic publisher Paul Räth Nachf. KG, which specialized in producing globes, maps, and educational aids. The cartographic work was prepared by Prof. Dr. Arthur Krause, while the map was printed by VEB Hermann Haack Werk in Leipzig, a company associated with the German cartographic tradition.

The globe retains its original manufacturer’s markings, the author’s name, publishing information, and GDR printing marks.

The piece stands out for its small size and elegant, modernist design, characteristic of German consumer goods from the mid-20th century.

The 12 cm diameter sphere is covered with a multicolored political map of the world in German. Individual countries and territories are marked in shades of yellow, green, orange, and blue, with a clearly legible geographic grid and the names of cities, oceans, and regions.

Of particular interest is the historical cartographic content, depicting the political division of the world before the decolonization changes of the second half of the 20th century. Former names of countries, colonies, and territories are visible, giving the globe not only decorative value but also historical and educational significance.

The sphere is mounted on a distinctive, curved silver-colored metal support, connected to a round, profiled base made of lacquered wood in a warm brown shade. The globe is completed by a metal fitting at the top of its axis of rotation.

The minimalist construction, combination of wood and metal, and harmonious proportions evoke postwar German modernism and the Mid-Century Modern style.

Dimensions:

- Overall height: 18 cm.
- Sphere diameter: 12 cm.
- Wooden base diameter: 11.5 cm.

Condition: original vintage condition, consistent with the item’s age. The globe’s surface shows natural signs of age, localized discoloration, and one more noticeable abrasion to the cartographic layer. The wooden base has minor scuffs, scratches, and small areas of missing lacquer. The metal support is in good visual condition. Please see the photographs for details of the condition.

An interesting example of postwar German cartography, serving as an attractive collectible and an original decoration for an office, library, desk, or interior furnished in vintage, retro, or Mid-Century Modern style.

Shipping information: I do not ship to the USA, countries subject to customs duties (shipping from Poland—I do not ship to: the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Serbia, Ukraine, Liechtenstein), or conflict-affected countries in the Middle East.