A William IV Period Terrestrial Table Globe Prepared by G.&J. Cary 1836

Object Description

The attractive, finely mapped and well-proportioned paper and plaster terrestrial table globe made up of two sets of twelve hand-coloured engraved half-gores, with graduated equatorial ecliptic and equinoctial colure, the titular cartouche reading “CARY’S NEW TERRESTRIAL GLOBE DELINEATED From the best Authorities extant : Exhibiting the late Discoveries towards the NORTH POLE, and every improvement in Geography to the present Time. LONDON: Made & Sold by G.&J. CARY, 86 St. Jame’s Street Jany. 1. 1836”, the whole fitted with engraved brass hour dial and graduated brass meridian ring and hand-coloured engraved paper horizon, on a mahogany stand with three cabriole legs to pad feet and surviving from the second quarter of nineteenth century England.

Object History

Unknown.

Object Literature

This globe shows the oceans with an analemma, winds, numerous explorers’ tracks, and the continents with the nation states shaded. North America shows the territories of numerous indigenous tribes, Alaska is shown as Russian America, whilst California is labelled Unexplored Countries and New Albion. Africa shows its traders’ routes and some detail on tribes.

This terrestrial globe was produced by one of the leading globe makers of the time. The first generation of the family, who had started the business in 1791 were John Cary and William Cary. By 1824, the firm was run by George and John Cary, sons of John Cary Senior. Together with the firms of Newton and Bardin, globes made by the Carys accounted for the majority of globes produced in England during the early 19th Century. Although it sold and published a variety of materials, its focus was the production and sale of geographic materials, particularly atlases, sheet maps, and globes. The firm was particularly well known for geological maps, itineraries, and county maps. The sons continued their father’s business until 1850.

A very attractive globe by a superb maker, and with many quirks which makes it an ideal conversation piece.

Object Condition

The globe shows a lovely patination, which comes with a large amount of handling over the years with the varnish now well worn. There are the usual abrasion marks and associated wear that one would expect; please refer to the photographs for a full visual reference. As a whole it remains a very attractive piece in its entirety.

Object Details