A fine pair of George III terrestrial and celestial globes by W. & T.M. Bardin Dated 1799 and 1800 respectively

The terrestrial globe dedicated To the R^{t Honorable / SIR JOSEPH BANKS BART. K.B. / Prefident of the Royal Society / This New British Terrestrial Globe / Containing all the latest Discoveries and Communications from the most / correct and authentic Observations and Surveys, to the year 1799 / by Captn. Cook and more recent Navigators, Engraved from / an accurate Drawing by Mr Arrowsmith Geographer / Respectfully Dedicated / to his most obedient hble Servants / W. & T.M. Bardin / Manufactured & Sold Whosale & Retail by W. & T.M. BARDIN / 16 Salisbury Square Fleet Street London.}  The celestial globe dedicated To the Rev. / NEVIL MASKELYNE D.D.F.R.S / This New British Celestial Globe / containing the Positions of nearly 6000 Stars,..., Nebulæ, Planetary  / Nebulæ &c. correctly computed and laid down for the year 1800 from the latest observati / ons and discoveries by D^{r Maskelyne, Dr Herfchal, Revd Mr Wolleften &c. &c.  / Respectfully Dedicated / to his most obedient hble Servants / W. & T.M. Bardin / Manufactured & Sold Whosale & Retail / by W. & T.M. BARDIN / 16 Salisbury Square Fleet Street London.}  Losses and restorations.

The globes in restored condition; cleaned and with a brownish color; the celestial globe with a small hole and tear to the brass hour ring to the top; small repaired patch near join of gores, some age cracks at join with hour ring and extending into the constellation 'AURIGA', age cracks around the constellations 'PERSEUS', 'CASSIOPEIA', and 'TRIANGULUM', age crack around the equator line with subsequent restorations; restorations to age cracks around the southern pole at join with hour ring; the stand with diagonal age crack to horizon ring between 'July' and 'August', old repaired break to one quarter support at join with central finial; some old infilling to plugs of each quarter support at join with top of each leg; three plugs to one leg; the terrestrial globe with an age crack running through the equator with subsequent small age cracks and restorations especially through 'New Guinea', 'Borneo', the 'Atlantic Ocean', 'Indian Ocean' with subsequent inpainting and minor losses; the lead counterweight mostly in tact with a small loose piece within the globe; age cracks to north and south poles; the stand with age crack to underside of compass; compass lacking needle; both stands with later glass to compasses and with minor losses and tearing to the paper dials; Overall the globes and horizon rings in good restored condition with some areas of inpainting and minor losses and age cracks; the stands in good condition with some old marks and scratches.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

One of the pre-eminent globe makers of the late 18^th century, William Bardin began production in 1782, one of his early globes described as 'A / New, Accurate, and /Compleat / Terrestrial Globe, /... originally laid down/ by the late / Mr. James Ferguson, F.R.S. ... Published as the Act directs ... Augt. 1st/ 1783'.  Ferguson had bought the gores of the early 18^th century globe maker John Senex and transferred these in 1757 to the maker Benjamin Martin (died 1782).  Those gores had come to Bardin through his association with an apprentice of Martin's, Gabriel Wright . Joined by his son, Thomas Marriot in 1790, the firm became known as W. & T. M. Bardin, located off of Fleet Street, in Salisbury Square.  The 18-inch New British Globes were dedicated to the scientist Sir Joseph Banks, President of the Royal Society (terrestrial) and astronomer Neville Maskelyne (celestial), and were often sold by the scientific instrument makers and dealers W. S. Jones.

A pair of very similar globes was sold, Christie's, New York, October 11, 2007, lot 18 ($115,000).