The Lead Crystal Everest Globe.

Crafted to honor the epic 1963 National Geographic Society-sponsored U.S. expedition to Mt. Everest, this is the 20" diameter Everest Globe entirely handmade of stemware-quality leaded crystal and considered by many to be the world's finest globe. Only 250 of these globes exist, and no two are alike--each is painstakingly handcrafted in Germany's Lake Constance region by more than 20 artisans including glassblowers, woodworkers, brass engravers, girdlers, and inlayers. The brilliant world-renowned National Geographic cartography on the two-sided map is composed of 24 separate layers of rich color and crisp detail that is applied to the crystal globe once the surface has cooled, then hand-lacquered to a polished shine. Inside the globe is a 60-watt bulb controlled by an on/off foot pedal with adjustable power button to light the globe brightly or softly. When lit, the globe reveals a physical map showing minute details such as mountain ranges, ice caps, vegetation expanses, and arid lands. When the light is turned off, the globe portrays a political map of the world labeled with 6,500 place names, including continents, countries, and cities. Unlike typical primary color schemes common to many globes, the map is painted with soft earth tones contrasted with the golden hue of the ocean that highlights the continental edges so the landmasses stand out subtly but clearly. The hand-carved and sanded base is shaped from the finest Black Forest maple and hornbeam hardwood that is hand-finished in a deep gloss that highlights the carved details on the rim and legs. The months and cardinal directions on the top of the base are delicately inlaid with iridescent mother-of-pearl cultivated from the finest non-endangered ocean shells. The meridian begins as a flat band of solid brass precisely calibrated every ten degrees by an expert engraver, then hand-curved around a wooden form by girdlers and hand-rubbed and lacquered to a gleaming shine. The globe comes with a brass plaque engraved with the number of the globe and a signed and numbered certificate of authenticity. White glove delivery includes unpacking and careful placement of the globe where you choose. Plugs into AC. 39" H x 31" Diam. with base. (49 lbs.)