Of up most importance to any true Globe Aficionado , this specific artifact documents the end of Andrews, who was at one point the greatest American Globe Maker of the 19th Century. However, due to mishaps and poor business decisions, Andrews had to declare bankruptcy and sell off of School Supply company piece by piece, including what he was recognized for the most: World Globes and related planetary objects. A gentleman from Los Angeles, Mr. Weber seized the opportunity and purchased the globe making facility in 1900. This sphere is a very early piece produced by Weber, marking the cartouche as an Andrew's model, adding his name as the Successor. Globes with this specific cartouche are exceptionally rare, as they changed again in 1907, when Costello was added, reflecting a new partnership between Mr. Weber and Mr. Costello. This means Globes identified with the name Weber existed for only 6 years. Which makes this artifact one of the rarest, desirables pieces, the highlight of any collection. This sophisticated artifact offers hours and hours of discovery, reviewing the world of c 1902 in upmost detail. This detailed educational Sphere of documents Imperial Empires and their quest of conquering the world by displaying among others German and British Colonies. Metropolitan Centers of the past, including Constantinople of the Ottoman Empire, Christiana  and St Petersburg in Russia are represented as is the Austro -Hungarian and German Empire. A young USA is identified, still in the process of forming states, one can view Indian Territory in Oklahoma, USA.Quite an attractive piece, it will demand attention in any setting. In spite of its imperfect map, it offers the perfect vintage look. History of the Globe Maker: A.H. Andrews & Co 1865-c 1900 - c1900 – 1907 C.F. Weber & Co - 1907-c1960 Weber Costello Co Chicago A.H. Andrews, former employee of the Holbrook globe makers (East Coast), opened his own globe business in the early 1860s in Chicago, though marketed many of his first globes as Holbrook models. Andrews expanded into many other school-related products such as furniture and gained tremendous success as a businessman. He sold the globe manufacturing branch to C.F. Weber & Co. at the turn of the century, who marketed the globes as “C.F. Weber & Co, successor to A.H. Andrews and Co, Chicago.” Around 1907, the name changed to “Weber Costello Company.” Weber Costello continued the production of globes until the early 1960s. Description: The plaster orb itself is covered with 12 individual, hand applied  paper gores representing the map and attached to a simplified metal base. Diameter of the globe is 12 inches with a total height of about 17 inches. Condition: Overall well preserved, the map of the sphere does show sign of usage as a school globe. Wear in form of soiling and "tension tear" of the paper with professional repairs. Please see photos for details. The base is polished rather than the more common bronze finish, well preserved. Minimal spotting, no cracks. A fine artifact with well documented history. Well packed this artifact ship domestic for $26.00. International ( most locations) $69.00 $685   SKU # 1115ANDRWEB00