Originally a navigational instrument for travelers and explorers, the celestial sphere had been in use for much longer as a tool of science than a terrestrial globe, for nearly 2000 years. Constellations displayed in various mystical characters as imagined by the globe maker, delicately engraved and beautifully colored makes this globe not only a scientific instrument but a beautiful piece of art. The mount consisting of an exquisite Art Nouveau styled cast metal base and detailed horizon ring adding style and elegance to this sophisticated masterpiece. History of the globe maker: Trained as a wood turner and looking-glass maker, Gilman Joslin (1804-1886) went to work for pioneering Boston globe maker Josiah Loring in 1837. He took over Loring’s business by 1839, and that year he issued the first globes under his own name, a terrestrial and celestial pair 6” in diameter. By mid century, Joslin employed three men and two women and boasted a 3-horsepower steam engine for his production. The women more likely applied the paper gores to the spheres. Joslin was eventually succeeded by his son William, and their firm produced globes of various sizes through the end of the 19th century. Joslin worked in many fields in addition to making globes: he was one of the first Americans to make a daguerreotype and was engaged in shipbuilding. Made up of twelve copper plate engraved, hand-colored and hand applied paper gores over a plaster orb. Colored constellations labeled and represented as stylized mythological figures, beasts, and instruments of science. Brass hour pointer at pole, calibrated solid brass, numeric full meridian. Copper plate engraved, printed and hand colored horizon band on wood with Zodiacal and Gregorian calendars, all resting on a stylized, tri-foot, cast iron base. Diameter of the orb is 10 inches, with horizon ring about 14 inches and 15 inches tall. Well preserved with less than appropriate wear for its age. Colors are rich, details crisp. Minor surface wear, minimal loss of map. Structural integrity extremely well maintained. All original hardware present. Dekker, Elly and van der Krogt, Peter. Globes from the Western World. London: Zwemmer, 1993, pp. 126, 140, 176. Warner, Deborah Jean. “The Geography of Heaven and Earth,” Rittenhouse Journal of the American Scientific Instrument Enterprise, Vol. 2, No. 3. 1987. pp. 100-103. Yonge, Ena L., A Catalogue of Early Globes, Library Series No. 6. American Geographical Society: 1968. pp. 37-38. This model is also collected at: Oberlin College - Smithsonian Museum of American History -  National Library of Austria (Vienna). Well packed this artifact will be shipped domestic for $45, international $75 $4200     SKU# 615JOSLINCEL