This rare artifact documents empires long before the dismay of their existence. Imperial kingdoms including the British, the Austria-Hungarian and the Ottoman Empire are shown to have conquered the world. Metropolitan centers of the past such as Constantinople, Christiana and St. Petersburg are visible as well. The US is visible as a young nation, with various Indian Territories identified. Future States like Alaska are shown as territories instead as other states are still to be created. The Dakotas are still shown as one territory despite being split in 1889. Congo State in Africa is displayed (est.1884, changed to Belgian Congo in 1908). Ndebele territory of Zimbabwe has not yet been replaced by Rhodesia (1895). The firm of Ernst Schotte was of great importance in the production of globes in Berlin in the second half of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth. At the end of the 1870s, this firm made terrestrial globes in nine different sizes, from a ’dolls globe’ 1 inch in diameter to a school globe 19 inches in diameter, along with four sizes of celestial globes. Note the detailed, beautifully colored map and ornate mounting, a testament of superb craftsmanship! This fine artifact is a perfect example of the high standards that were the hallmark of a Schotte globe. The globe consists of 12 individual hand laid paper gores and two polar calottes over each hemisphere. The map identifies mountain ranges, major rivers, sea currents, and major cities throughout. The orb is mounted in a brass half meridian and sits atop an elegantly turned ebonized wood base.. Diameter of the globe is about 10 inches (25 cm) with a total height of about 18.5 inches. Quite a commanding and majestic piece! Overall exceptionally well preserved with one exception. There is a crack that runs in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with minor map loss along the equator there. This can be seen in the photos. It does not have much visual impact as the damage is so thin. Some abrasions as shown in photos, minor scuffing and soiling throughout. If you are looking for the rarely obtainable, this fine artifact filled with exceptional history is for you. SOLD $895 - Item #: 1116SCH1890