Lot 88
  • 88

A pair of 21-inch terrestrial and celestial library globes, John & William Cary, London circa 1800

Estimate
60,000 - 100,000 GBP
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Description

  • mahogany, paper, brass
  • 119cm. 47in. high overall
the terrestrial with two sets of eighteen engraved and hand-coloured half-gores, inscribed in a cartouche 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 LAPEROUSE on the COAST of TARTARY, TOGETHER with every other improvement collected from Various Navigators to the present time. LONDON: Made & Sold by J & W Cary, Strand, March 1st 1800, with ecliptic, an analemma in the Pacific, finely detailed cartography with known countries and their boundaries clearly marked, voyage tracks of numerous explorers shown; the celestial with two sets of eighteen engraved and hand-coloured half gores laid to the ecliptic poles the axis through the celestial poles, inscribed in a cartouche CARY'S New and Improved CELESTIAL GLOBE ON WHICH is carefully laid down the whole of the STARS AND NEBULAE Contained in the ASTRONOMICAL CATALOGUE of the REVD. MR WOLLASTON F.R.S. Compiled from the Authorities of FLAMSTEED, DE LA CAILLE, HEVELIUS, MAYER, BRADLEY, HERSCHEL, MASKELYNE &c. With an extensive number form the Works of Miss Herschel, The whole adapted to the Year 1800, and the Limits of each Constellation determined by a Boundary line. LONDON: Made & Sold by J & W Cary, No.181 Strand, Mar 1 1799, the constellations depicted as mythical beasts, characters and instruments; each with an engraved brass hour ring at the North Pole and with an engraved brass meridian, engraved and hand coloured horizon papers with calendrical and zodiacal scales, each mounted on a mahogany stand with baluster-turned and reeded tapered legs with brass casters and joined by turned stretchers with a glazed compass box with blued steel needle and with a printed paper compass rose signed J & W CARY, STRAND, LONDON,

Condition

Both globes in good clean restored condition, slight cracking to north pole of terrestrial, both horizon papers either heavily restored or replaced, good original compasses and papers, glass and brass ring loose on celestial. Stands in good clean condition.
"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."

Catalogue Note

John Cary and his brother William operated separate businesses as engraver/map seller and instrument maker in the late 18th Century.  In 1791 they joined forces in a globe making business and, in 1792, were established at 181 Strand. By 1800 they had become one of the most highly regarded names in globe making. Around 1820 John handed the globe making business to his two sons, John and George.