George F. Cram Co.
12-Inch Slate Terrestrial Globe
Indianapolis: c. 1970
14 inches high
16.5 inches diameter, overall
$550
12-Inch Modernist Slate Globe
Cram: c. 1970
Cram: c. 1970
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The spherical globe with metal poles is covered with black slating material and sits loosely in a copper-finish metal cradle stand. The horizon has an engraved paper calendar that is calibrated for miles, degrees, and hours, and is supported by four quadrants on a circular molded base.
Globes coated with slating material have been produced from the mid 19th century on as educational aids for the study of geography, so students could practice drawing maps in chalk on the surface.
This example has flying data printed on the horizon: “Estimated Jet Airliner Cruising Speed 600 Miles per Hour. Estimated Propeller Airliner Cruising Speed 300 Miles per Hour.” This data was probably included to incorporate aviation and travel themes -- popular interests reflected in globe manufacture in the mid 20th Century. Perhaps this data was also included as a way to include mathematical calculations into lessons.
Read more about the George F. Cram Co. in our Guide to Globe Makers.
Makers name on horizon: The George F. Cram Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Original paper tag: A/ Cram Quality/ Globe/ Model No./ 455-B/ Price/ $____
Parents tag: Commended/ By The/ Consumer/ Service Bureau/ of / Parents’/ Magazine/ As Advertised Therein
Condition: Generally fine with little wear. Apparently never used, still retains its original manufacturer’s labels.
Reference:
Dahl, Edward H. and Gauvin, Jean-François. Sphaerae Mundi: Early Globes at the Stewart Museum. Canada: Septentrion, McGill-Queen's University Press, 2000.