This imperial artifact by Rand, McNally and Co. was un-attainable to the commoner of 1909, as the exquisitely styled sphere had a price tag only affordable to the most affluent of society. Sharing the world of 1909, one can view the Austro Hungarian, Britsh, German and Russian Empire at the height of their reign. The metropolitan city of Constantinople is displayed as is St. Petersburg and Christiana. One can still view the vast boundaries of the Ottoman Empire within the ever so delicately engraved map. A superb artifact for the discerning historian or globe collector as this Sphere allows for you to follow the expansion and fall of Empires, the birth of new nations and expansion of Imperialism. Description: The construction of the globe consist of a 12 inch diameter, plaster orb covered with12, hand applied paper map gores and mounted dowel style onto a distinctive base consisting of a cast metal stand with four forks that are attached to an unusual and elegant cast metal ring with raised relief Zodiac figures and verdigris finish. The entire artifact is 18 inches high. Condition: This artifact is well preserved for its age. Detail of the map are crisp, colors rich and warm. Some scuffing and loss of paper, minimal soiling throughout. The heavy cast metal base is in superb condition. Well packed this artifact will ship domestic for $45.00, $89.00 international (most countries) $725  SKU 915RMCZODIAC09