This is a truly exquisite and highly collectible Original Vintage #16, 16-inch CRAM'S IMPERIAL WORLD GLOBE. It is an authentic piece of mid-20th-century cartography, meticulously published by the renowned George F. Cram Co., a distinguished American mapping and globemaking firm based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. The globes produced by the George F. Cram Co. are celebrated for their quality, detail, and historical significance, making this particular model a highly sought-after item for collectors, educators, and interior designers alike. The #16 designation refers to the specific model or production run, while the 16-inch diameter denotes the impressive size of the sphere.

Design and Dimensions:

The globe is majestically presented on a stunning, gold-tone, iodine-plated metal floor stand. This plating not only gives the stand a rich, warm, and highly durable finish but also provides a striking contrast to the vibrant colors of the globe itself. The overall assembly creates a truly monumental display piece, standing an imposing 39 inches tall. The substantial, three-legged floor stand measures a broad 23 inches in diameter at its base, ensuring stability and a commanding presence in any room. The stand's height alone is approximately 30 inches, perfectly positioning the globe for comfortable viewing and interaction.

Unique Mechanical Features:

A distinctive and highly desirable feature of this globe is the unique duel-axis mounting system integrated into the stand. This advanced mechanism allows the globe to rotate freely in both the vertical (conventional north-south axis) and horizontal directions. This dual movement offers an unparalleled level of accessibility for detailed study of any part of the world, allowing the user to examine the equator, poles, and all intermediate regions with ease. Furthermore, the stand incorporates a practical and elegant element: a circular glass shelf positioned below the globe. This shelf serves as a perfect space to place reference materials, accompanying books, or other decorative items, enhancing the globe's utility as a central piece of a study or living area.

Aesthetics and Craftsmanship:

The globe itself is a testament to beautiful craftsmanship and detailed artistry. It boasts a palette of vivid, deep, and well-preserved colors that delineate political boundaries, landforms, and ocean currents with clarity and historical accuracy. A particularly engaging feature for the tactile enthusiast and cartophile is the inclusion of raised mountain areas. This three-dimensional topography allows users to physically trace the world's major mountain ranges-such as the Himalayas, the Andes, and the Rockies-adding a rich, palpable texture to the geographical experience. The intricate detail extends to the labeling of countless cities, rivers, lakes, and other geographical features, reflecting the world's political and physical geography as it existed at the time of its publication.

Versatility and Impact:

More than just a geographical reference tool, this unique piece of history will undoubtedly add a profound touch of historical depth, intellectual curiosity, and timeless elegance to any setting. Its impressive scale, rich color, and fascinating mechanical features make it an excellent and compelling conversation piece. This CRAM'S IMPERIAL WORLD GLOBE is perfectly suited for a wide variety of environments, including a sophisticated private home, a bustling classroom, a classic library, a distinguished executive office, or any space where a statement of worldliness and refined taste is desired. It is a genuine historical artifact that transcends mere decoration to become a focal point of intellectual and aesthetic appreciation


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: There was a clear coating on the brass frame that has been removed leaving behind a brass frame with very few flaws. Note there is some spots of rust that are slightly present on the frame.

Origin:
United States

Creator:
Brand: George F. Cram

Materials & Techniques:
Metal, Paper Mache

Details:
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: United States

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; There was a clear coating on the brass frame that has been removed leaving behind a brass frame with very few flaws. Note there is some spots of rust that are slightly present on the frame.