A PAIR OF LATE GEORGE III 12-INCH CELESTIAL AND TERRESTRIAL TABLE GLOBES BY JOHN AND WILLIAM CARY, THE CELESTIAL GLOBE DATED 1800, TERRESTRIAL GLOBE WITH ILLEGIBLE DATE |

the celestial globe cartouche reads 'CARY'S / NEW CELESTIAL GLOBE / ON WHICH / correctly laid down upwards of 35** stars / selected from the most accurate observations / and calculated for the Year 1800 / With the extent of each Constellation precisely defined / By Mr. GILPIN of the ROYAL SOCIETY / Made & Sold by J&W. Cary Strand London Jan 1. 1800'; the terrestrial globe cartouche reads 'CARY'S / NEW / TERRESTRIAL GLOBE, / DELINEATED / From the best Authorities extant: / Exhibiting the different Tracks of / CAPTAIN COOK. / and the New Discoveries made by him / and other Circumnavigations. / LONDON / Made & sold by T. & W. Cary, Strand Jan ****', on ebonised beech stands

In overall reasonable restored condition. Repairs to papers and some splits around axis fixings which would benefit from further attention according to taste. Bearings loose inside one globes. Stands probably re-ebonised and with some repaired breaks. Generally with minor old marks and scrathes consistent with age and use.
"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.