A PAIR OF REGENCY 18-INCH CELESTIAL AND TERRESTRIAL LIBRARY GLOBES BY JOHN AND WILLIAM CARY, CIRCA 1816-1818 |

the celestial globe cartouche reads 'CARY'S / NEW CELESTIAL GLOBE, / on which are laid down, / THE WHOLE of THE STARS NEBULÆ &c. / Contained in the Aftronomical Works of the / REVD. F. WOLLASTON F.R.S. / De la Caille, Herschel, Hevelius, Mayer / Flamsteed, Bradley &c. / London: Made & Sold by J.&W. Cary Strand March 1816', the terrestrial globe cartouche reads 'CARY'S / NEW / TERRESTRIAL GLOBE, / EXHIBITING / The Tracks and Discoveries made by / CAPTAIN COOK; / Also those of CAPTAIN VANCOUVER on the / NORTH WEST COAST OF AMERICA / And M. DE LA PEROUSE, on the COAST of TARTARY / TOGETHER / With every other Improvement collected from / Various Navigators and Travellers / to the present time. / LONDON: / Made & Sold by J.&W. Cary, Strand, March 1st. 1816. / WITH CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS to 1818.', on ebony inlaid mahogany stands

Formerly in the collection of H.R.H. Princess Margaret at Kensington Palace, London until sold Christie's London, 14 June 2006, lot 586 (£66,000 with premium);
Acquired from Ronald Phillips Ltd., London, by the current owner.

In overall excellent restored condition having been in the collection of H.R.H. Princess Margaret at Kensington Palace and laterly acquired from Ronald Phillips Ltd., London, by the current owner. Border papers to stands with evidence of repairs which do not detract. One stand with small localised area of scrathes/dents which have been polished out. Generally with very minor old marks and scrathes consistent with age and use. A smart pair of globes.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The firm of Cary was established by John Cary (c.1754-1835), a noted map-seller and engraver, and his brother William (c.1760-1825), an instrument maker. The firm published their first globes in 1791 and by the end of the eighteenth century had already established themselves as one of London's most eminent globe manufacturers. In about 1820 the Cary brothers moved their business to 86 St James's Street, leaving their premises at 181 Strand to John Cary's two sons George (c.1788-1859) and John Jr. (1791-1852) who traded as G & J Cary until about 1850 and continued to produce globes of the highest standards. For further examples of the company's work see those illustrated in Elly Dekker and Peter van der Krogt, Globes from the Western World, 1993, pls. 33, 37, and 38.