Vintage 1950s Chad valley metal /tin world desk globe. This very decorative desk globe would make a striking display on a desk, in a home office etc. Some age related wear, mostly to the globe, but all the countries etc can be read clearly.
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28 cm tall 18 cm round at base
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More detailed photos on website www.objetdart-stuff.co.uk
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The first known mention of a globe is from Strabo, describing the Globe of Crates from about 150 BC. The oldest surviving terrestrial globe is the Erdapfel, made by Martin Behaim in 1492. The oldest surviving celestial globe sits atop the Farnese Atlas, carved in the 2nd century Roman Empire.
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Chad Valley began in the early 19th century as a Birmingham printing business founded by Anthony Bunn Johnson, later expanding into toys and games and becoming known as the Chad Valley Company. Renamed in 1897, it grew into a major UK toy manufacturer, famous for its quality dolls and teddy bears, receiving a Royal Warrant in 1938. After World War II, the company struggled to adapt to changing manufacturing costs and was taken over by Palitoy in the 1970s, with the brand later purchased by Woolworths and eventually by Home Retail Group.
Origins in Printing
Early 1800s: Anthony Bunn Johnson established a printing business in Birmingham.
1860: His sons, Joseph and Alfred, established a new business called Johnson Brothers, focusing on stationery, printing, and bookbinding.
Transition to Toy Manufacturing
1897:
The company moved to a new factory, the Chad Valley Works, named after the Chad Brook, and began to expand into board games and other toys.
Early 20th Century:
The company was renamed The Chad Valley Company and began producing a wide range of toys, including board games, card games, and quality teddy bears, noted for their distinctive features.
Growth and Royal Recognition
1915: The company began to make teddy bears.
1920s: The firm expanded significantly, with the opening of the Wrekin Toy Works in Shropshire and an emphasis on soft toys, including felt and velvet dolls, and famous figures like Princess Elizabeth.
1938: Chad Valley received a Royal Warrant, becoming "Toymakers to Her Majesty the Queen".
World War II and Beyond
WWII:
The factories shifted production to the war effort, making parts for anti-aircraft guns, hospital tables, and tent poles.
Post-War:
The company continued to grow by acquiring other toy firms and developing relationships with television producers to create toys linked to popular shows.
Financial Difficulties and Takeovers
1970s: Chad Valley struggled with rising manufacturing costs and competition, eventually running into financial trouble.
1978: Palitoy bought the company and its factories closed.
1988: The Chad Valley trademark was purchased by Woolworths.
2009: The Home Retail Group, parent company of Argos and Homebase, acquired the brand.