Description Aviation and travel themes frequently appear on globes manufactured in the mid 20th century, reflecting the popular interest in the dramatic progress of air travel. Charles Lindbergh (1902-1974) became an American hero when he flew from New York to Paris in 1927. Other landmark flights by such figures as Amelia Earhart also generated huge publicity and acclaim. During World War II, faster and more versatile aircraft developed, and afterwards air travel across and between continents expanded rapidly. In the late 1950s, the space race also fueled an interest in aviation, especially among young people to whom many of these globes were marketed. Weber Costello began producing black ocean globes with airplane-form bases prior to World War II. The globe, issued from the 1930s to the early 1940s, had geographic entities in muted yellow and cream tones, and the airplane base was geometric with Art Deco stylization. Another model of black ocean airplane-form base globe, issued by Weber Costello first about 1945, and popular in the 1950s and early 1960s, had more brightly colored geographic entities, and the airplane base was more rounded, with broader wings. With the current interest in modernist decor, these vintage globes are enjoying renewed popularity. For more information on Weber Costello, please see our Guide to Globe Makers. Circular Cartouche: “NEW PEERLESS 12 INCH GLOBE/ TERRESTRIAL/ GLOBE/ WEBER COSTELLO CO./ PUBLISHERS/ CHICAGO HEIGHTS, ILL.” Condition: Globe generally very good with the usual overall light toning and fading of colors, handling, wear. Some minor abrasions overall, and wear at equator tape, restored. Stand very good with light oxidation and surface wear to chromed finish.
