Celestial spheres are navigational tools, as it was the purpose for this specific model. With this scientific instrument a navigator could easily convert the positions of stars in spherical coordinates (the celestial equivalents of longitude and latitude on Earth) into observable azimuth (direction) and elevation above the horizon or vice versa without resorting to tedious calculations for which there may not have been time in any case. This precise instrument is small in size so it could be utilized by navigators in early aviation aboard an airplane with limited space just as much as on board of maritime vessels. Celestial globes had been a tool for travel and maritime navigation for over 2000 years. Of course, today celestial globes, including the navigational version here, have been superseded by electronic devices and planispheric programs that can instantaneously show the position of planets and stars at any time and location. Though superseded, celestial spheres of the past are items of beauty in which we can admire the expertise and artistry of the people who produced them. This specific instrument also offers an intense personal history. The cartouche identifies this instrument to be made in 1950 by Freiberger Präzisionsmechanik. It was the first year of production as a East German Regime owned business after the factory was taken over and partially dismantled by the Red Army of the USSR in 1945 (end of WW2). 15 Employees did their best to survive by doing repair jobs and re-assembling the remaining tooling machines. The Regime of East Germany recognized and utilized the skill of precision measuring instruments by the company as it has refined its skills since 1771, when the company was created by Gottlieb Friedrich Schubert, producing mechanical and scientific instrumentsfor Lordships and wealthy merchants (see company website). In 1966 the company cooperated with world renowned (and at that time also under occupation of the East German Regime) Carls Zeiss Company in Dresden on various precise measuring devices and instruments. Once the “Iron curtain” fell and East Germany was united with the West, Freiberger Präzisionsmechanik privatized and since 1994 operates as der FPM Holding GmbH, where 23 employees continue the tradition of creating precise measuring instrument as intended in 1771. Description: This model may be small at a total height of only 8.5 inches and a diameter of the same, but certainly grand in history. The globe itself consists of a hollow spun metal orb, covered by 12 individual paper gores and two polar calottes. The map represents the celestial skies , all language in Russian. The frame and measuring device are made of partially engraved aluminum. A cartouche identifies the print date of 1950. Condition: Overall in very good condition. The framing is in excellent condition though there is a slight indentation to the sphere and some rubbing and scuffing to the map. Details are crisp, colors rich. Some nice aging to the patina. Well packed this artifact will ship domestic for $12.00, $48 world wide. $435 — Item : 0114STRGLO50