Replogle World Globe Value Guide
- Period
- 1950s-1970s
- Origin
- United States
- Materials
- Paper, metal, wood
- Category
- World globe
Founded in 1930 by Luther Replogle, this Chicago-based company revolutionized the industry by making high-quality cartography accessible for home use. These mid-century globes are highly collectible for their detailed paper lithography and iconic bronze-toned metal or wood bases that define the era's aesthetic.
What affects the value of Replogle World Globe?
- Geopolitical accuracy and the specific historical snapshot provided by the map's borders.
- Physical condition of the paper surface, specifically looking for lack of foxing, peeling, or fading.
- The integrity of the bronze-toned finish on the base and the presence of the original meridian ring.
- Rarity of the specific model size and the legibility of the cartographic details.
How to Identify Replogle World Globe?
- Check the cartouche for the Replogle logo and 'Made in USA' to confirm its Chicago origins.
- Examine the base material; authentic mid-century models typically feature bronze-toned metal or solid wood rather than modern plastics.
- Look for specific geopolitical markers like French Equatorial Africa or a divided Germany to verify the 1950s-1970s production era.
- Inspect the surface for hand-applied paper gores, which indicate higher quality craftsmanship compared to modern heat-shrunk vinyl.
History of Replogle World Globe
Replogle Globes was founded in 1930 by Luther Replogle, who started selling globes from his Chicago apartment during the Great Depression. His vision was to make globes accessible to everyone, not just schools and libraries. By the 1950s, Replogle had become the world's largest globe manufacturer, known for its commitment to accuracy and quality. They continue to produce a wide range of globes, from educational models to decorative pieces, often updated to reflect geopolitical changes.
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