After a fire destroyed the Kirkwood factory in 1824, William established his own business. His brother, Alexander Keith, joined him in 1825. They began making globes in the middle of the 19th century. 16 inch models are also known. The globe balls in the author's collection appear to be made of steel, plastic and, on a circa 1908 model, plaster over what might be papier mache.
All gores appear to have been hand mounted.
Beck, Peter E., ed. The Use of Globes . Guide to Globemakers. George Glazer Gallery.