Skip to main content

Modern Globes

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

to
6
2
8
74
15
13
8
7
5
4
4
4
2
2
8
2
5
2
1
1
7
2
2
2
2
4
3
3
2
1
8
8
8
2
1
1
1
Style: Modern
Chrome Sphere
Chrome Sphere

Chrome Sphere

Located in New York, NY

A chrome plated brass sphere decorative object, in the Modern style/Postmodern period, circa late-20th century. Piece is weighted with flat bottom for stability. A great piece for a ...

Category

Late 20th Century Modern Globes

Materials

Brass, Chrome

For Office Détente: Cold War-Era Sterling Silver Desk Globe
For Office Détente: Cold War-Era Sterling Silver Desk Globe

For Office Détente: Cold War-Era Sterling Silver Desk Globe

Located in New York, NY

Cold War-era parcel-gilt sterling silver desk globe. In c-scroll frame mounted to cast Baroque dolphin support in turn mounted to stepped and round foot. Everyone’s there, not only U...

Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Globes

Materials

Sterling Silver

1990s Nystrom Sculptural Raised Relief World Globe
1990s Nystrom Sculptural Raised Relief World Globe

1990s Nystrom Sculptural Raised Relief World Globe

By A.J. Nystrom & Co

Located in Chula Vista, CA

1990s Nystrom Sculptural Raised Relief World Globe 16 h x 13 w x 12 d Original preowned vintage condition Refer to images listed.

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Globes

Materials

Metal

Illuminated French Edition Scan-Globe Denmark 1986
Illuminated French Edition Scan-Globe Denmark 1986

Illuminated French Edition Scan-Globe Denmark 1986

By Scanglobe

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful illuminated French edition globe. This piece is magical, glamorous and chic. The aerodynamic lucite base holds the beautiful blue globe that when illuminated reveals in the...

Category

1980s Danish Vintage Modern Globes

Materials

Fiberglass, Lucite

20th Century American Rotating Metal Globe on Scroll Stand
20th Century American Rotating Metal Globe on Scroll Stand

20th Century American Rotating Metal Globe on Scroll Stand

Located in Queens, NY

Contemporary American openwork metal globe rotates along its axis at a tilted angle, mounted on a scroll form metal stand. Wear to finish

Category

20th Century American Modern Globes

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Trimline Push Button Rotary Telephones 3 Models Available
Mid-Century Modern Trimline Push Button Rotary Telephones 3 Models Available

Mid-Century Modern Trimline Push Button Rotary Telephones 3 Models Available

By AT&T

Located in Port Jervis, NY

C1970 trimline telephones by 3 different companies. Different colors and the sizes are basically the same they do vary slughtly. All have the necessary cords to plug in. No damage t...

Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Globes

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Related Items
MCM Repogle World Horizon Series Lighted World Globe on Custom Pine Stand
MCM Repogle World Horizon Series Lighted World Globe on Custom Pine Stand

MCM Repogle World Horizon Series Lighted World Globe on Custom Pine Stand

Located in Topeka, KS

Wonderful Repogle World Horizon Series lighted 12” diameter plastic world globe, metal axle, and a custom pine Stand. Beautiful condition with wear as you would expect with a vintage piece. Please see photos, Circa 1950-1980.   See the world in a different light…. this is a fabulous Mid-Century Modern World Horizon Series lighted world globe...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Globes

Materials

Metal

Vintage Decorative Tessellated Stone Spheres - Set of 4
Vintage Decorative Tessellated Stone Spheres - Set of 4

Vintage Decorative Tessellated Stone Spheres - Set of 4

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This striking set of four vintage tessellated spheres is a masterclass in geometric precision and artisanal craftsmanship. Reminiscent of the high-style designs of Maitland-Smith and...

Category

Late 20th Century Indian Modern Globes

Materials

Stone

Regency Style Tole Birdcage on Stand, USA, 20th Century
Regency Style Tole Birdcage on Stand, USA, 20th Century

Regency Style Tole Birdcage on Stand, USA, 20th Century

Located in New York, NY

This 20th-century Regency Style birdcage is a romantic tribute to a time when beauty graced even the most functional objects. Crafted in painted toleware, it showcases delicate detai...

Category

1990s American Modern Globes

Materials

Metal

Oil Lamp with an Illuminating Globe Shade, Bohemian, circa 1885
Oil Lamp with an Illuminating Globe Shade, Bohemian, circa 1885

Oil Lamp with an Illuminating Globe Shade, Bohemian, circa 1885

Located in London, GB

A late 19th century opalescent glass oil lamp with an illuminating globe shade, Bohemia, circa 1885. Countries and Seas indicated in German. Made by ...

Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Modern Globes

Materials

Glass

Mid-20th Century Terrestre Columbus World Globe Oestergaard Berlin, Germany
Mid-20th Century Terrestre Columbus World Globe Oestergaard Berlin, Germany

Mid-20th Century Terrestre Columbus World Globe Oestergaard Berlin, Germany

By Paul Oestergaard

Located in Nuernberg, DE

An attractive vintage terrestrial globe by Columbus-Verlag Paul Oestergaard K.G., Berlin and Stuttgart, mounted on a turned wooden base with a metal meridian. Measuring 41 cm or 16.1...

Category

1950s German Vintage Modern Globes

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Modern Cram's Imperial World Desktop Globe on Stand
Mid Century Modern Cram's Imperial World Desktop Globe on Stand

Mid Century Modern Cram's Imperial World Desktop Globe on Stand

By Cram's

Located in San Jose, CA

Vintage desk or tabletop globe map with metal atomic stand by George F. Cram Company. This piece rotates on a semi-meridian and displays plenty of vintage charm. The perfect accessor...

Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Globes

Materials

Metal

Pair of Lamps Kazuhide Takahama, 1986
Pair of Lamps Kazuhide Takahama, 1986

Pair of Lamps Kazuhide Takahama, 1986

$5,782 / set

H 19.69 in W 11.82 in D 5.12 in

Pair of Lamps Kazuhide Takahama, 1986

By Kazuhide Takahama

Located in PARIS, FR

Élégant pair of tables lamps by Kazuhide Takahama made by Sirrah circa 1986 Italy Marble base gilt brass and fabric.

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Globes

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

Small Mid-Century Modern Italian Globe for Bar Desk Table
Small Mid-Century Modern Italian Globe for Bar Desk Table

Small Mid-Century Modern Italian Globe for Bar Desk Table

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Small Tabletop Vintage Wooden Spinning Globe, Marked "Made in Italy" Charming hand-crafted Mid-Century Modern spinning tabletop globe featuring an antique design sepia brown world m...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Globes

Materials

Wood, Paper

Midcentury Globe on Smoked Lucite Stand
Midcentury Globe on Smoked Lucite Stand

Midcentury Globe on Smoked Lucite Stand

$300Sale Price|20% Off

H 33 in W 16 in D 16 in

Midcentury Globe on Smoked Lucite Stand

By National Geographic

Located in San Diego, CA

Large midcentury globe on smoked Lucite stand by National Geographic, circa 1970s. This a very cool piece with removable and super colorful 16" D glo...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Globes

Materials

Lucite

Previously Available Items
Handcrafted Semi-Precious Stone Globe on Decorative Metal Stand with Compass
Handcrafted Semi-Precious Stone Globe on Decorative Metal Stand with Compass

Handcrafted Semi-Precious Stone Globe on Decorative Metal Stand with Compass

Located in Plainview, NY

Handcrafted Semi-Precious Stone Globe on Decorative Metal Stand with Central Compass This magnificent handcrafted globe is a true work of art, blending cartographic elegance with f...

Category

20th Century Modern Globes

Materials

Onyx, Metal

Vintage 1987 Scan-Globe Illuminated World Globe on Lucite Base, Denmark
Vintage 1987 Scan-Globe Illuminated World Globe on Lucite Base, Denmark

Vintage 1987 Scan-Globe Illuminated World Globe on Lucite Base, Denmark

Located in San Carlos, CA

Vintage 1987 Illuminated Globe by Scan-Globe A/S, Denmark — Lucite Base Bring a touch of Scandinavian modernism and global history into your space with this beautifully preserved vi...

Category

1980s Danish Vintage Modern Globes

Materials

Lucite

Italian Mid-Century Crystal Sphere with Air Bubbles
Italian Mid-Century Crystal Sphere with Air Bubbles

Italian Mid-Century Crystal Sphere with Air Bubbles

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Italian Mid-Century crystal sphere with air bubbles throughout. Flat on bottom to sit on surfaces.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Globes

Materials

Crystal

Modernist Design World Vision Globe Blue and Silver Chrome Base Denmark
Modernist Design World Vision Globe Blue and Silver Chrome Base Denmark

Modernist Design World Vision Globe Blue and Silver Chrome Base Denmark

By Replogle Globes

Located in Chula Vista, CA

Modernist World Globe Blue and Silver Stylish Full Vision Circle Metal chrome stainless Atmosphere Globemakers Denmark design 15 h x 12 diameter Preowned original vintage condition ...

Category

Late 20th Century Danish Modern Globes

Materials

Metal

1990s Nystrom World Political Globe Sculptural Relief
1990s Nystrom World Political Globe Sculptural Relief

1990s Nystrom World Political Globe Sculptural Relief

By Rand McNally & Co.

Located in Chula Vista, CA

Nystrom division of Herff Jones 1990s Nystrom World Political Globe Sculptural Relief 20 h x 17 diameter Unrestored vintage Refer to images shown.

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Globes

Materials

Metal

1934 "12 Inch Library Globe" by Replogle, Inc.
1934 "12 Inch Library Globe" by Replogle, Inc.

1934 "12 Inch Library Globe" by Replogle, Inc.

By Replogle Globes

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Presented is an original 12 inch Library Globe made by Replogle Globes Inc, in 1934. An attractive and well preserved globe, it offers viewers a unique look at the world during the inner-war period. Beautifully crafted, the glove is constructed of paper gores over a hollow sphere dressed in plaster. A cast bronze half meridian with accent striping holds the globe atop a later wooden standing base. The globe is colored in yellows, pinks, reds, greens, with a light blue ocean. All text is printed in black, with spellings “according to the U.S. Geographical Board.” It features a beautifully designed analemma, a “Table of Equation showing the difference between clock and sun time, also the sun’s vertical position for each day of the year.” The globe is very detailed, as indicated by its extensive legend. Railroad lines, caravan routes, submarine cables, steamship routes (with small boats), and distances in nautical miles are all labeled, tracking just how interconnected the world was in both trade and travel. A time dial at the top of the globe further emphasizes the point, allowing viewers to tell what time it is in every part of the world based on their own time. Geological features like glaciers, deserts, mountains, peaks, volcanos, swamps, shelf ice, ruins, ocean currents, and waterways are also identified. Country names, capital towns, and new boundary lines are clearly defined, and population is indicated by town markers. Luther Replogle began producing globes in Chicago in 1930. A school supplies...

Category

1930s American Vintage Modern Globes

Materials

Bronze

Replogle Globe on Stand World Classic Series Standing Globe
Replogle Globe on Stand World Classic Series Standing Globe

Replogle Globe on Stand World Classic Series Standing Globe

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Replogle 16 inch diameter globe on stand world classic series standing. Item features a heavy iron base and frame, wooden accents, fiberglass globe, very nice item, great style and f...

Category

Late 20th Century Modern Globes

Materials

Iron

Modern globes for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern globes for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage globes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern globes made in a specific country, there are Europe, Belgium, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original globes, popular names associated with this style include Ludo Verbeke, and Maitland Smith. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for globes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $450 and tops out at $3,897 while the average work can sell for $835.