A chic office globe from the 20th century

Globus by Paula Oestergaard from around 1950, published by Columbus Verlag, is a geographical globe with a diameter of 33 centimeters, made by the Columbus company based in Berlin and Stuttgart, and updated by cartographer W. Kaden. It is written in German and dates from the 1950s. This is an important cartographic tool providing information about global political geography and used for educational and research purposes.

The map is printed on twelve segments, glued onto a cardboard sphere. The globe rotates around its central axis and is supported by a turned wooden stand. The large size, good condition, and excellent base supporting the globe make this piece an excellent piece of furniture, also interesting from a historical-geographical, collector’s, and antique perspective.

The condition is very good, with only minor, retouched abrasions corresponding to Bolivia.

The cartography is detailed, and the surface is legible; major shipping routes are present. The globe rests on a turned wooden base, with a compass located at the bottom.

Exceptional antique furniture and accessories can be a perfect idea for interior decoration. Today, there is a growing number of enthusiasts for high-quality vintage items that possess a certain character and soul. This is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few key ones stand out. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the beloved Biedermeier style prevailed. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Beautiful Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, emphasizing similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The Baroque style, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl—was characterized by highly ornate furniture designed to radiate splendor and serve a luxurious role. Unique materials were selectively used to further emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can observe how significantly the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is often designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. The Renaissance style, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, also left a major mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and robust, using brown stains, moldings, strong bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and ancient times also inspired these designs, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Currently, many global brands reproduce such furniture, drawing inspiration from Italian and French craftsmen. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture production was perceived differently in each country, so each style had its unique character. This is especially important when searching for a luxurious antique piece suitable for your interior.

The most important aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial for buyers, as many fakes circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching its description and photos. We also have experts in art appraisal, history, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.