JOHNSTON, A.K. (1804-1871).
Johnston's Library and School Globe.
Made of two sets of twelves finely engraved gores, engraved brass dial, brass meridian circle with graduated degrees, the papered horizon ring with degrees of amplitude and a zenith, compass directions and houses of the zodiac, raised on a carved mahogany stand, the legs ending in brass-wheeled casters.
London, c. 1850.
Diameter 32"; height with stand 57 1/2".
A LARGE-SCALE GLOBE SHOWING THE ADDITION OF TEXAS AND CALIFORNIA TO THE U.S., FOLLOWING THE TREATY OF GUADALUPE-HIDALGO

This remarkable large-scale globe, which is nearly five feet tall in its stand, captures one of the most fascinating time periods in United States history. At the time the globe was assembled around 1850, westward expansion was well underway with the Union's gain of California and New Mexico in the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. In addition to the historical significance of the piece, the globe is also a superb example of mid-19th century craftsmanship from the distinguished workshop of W. & A. K. Johnston.

Through the globe is undated in the cartouche, several cartographic clues place its creation within a four year time period between 1849-1853.