A Gorgeous Celestial Globe with Floor Stand

"The New Twelve Inch British Celestial Globe, Containing the Exact Positions of More Than 3,800 Fix'd Stars, Nebulae, Planetary Nebulae, &c...", Bardin, William & T. M.

This attractive 12" celestial globe is composed of 12 paper gores, brass meridian, and engraved horizon ring. It was completed "according to the Latest Discoveries and Observations of Dr. Maskelyne; Dr. Herschell, and other Eminent Astronomers and Adjusted to the Present Period of 1800." The delicately engraved skies are depicted with the larger constellations shown in allegorical form. In addition to the better-known constellations, the globe includes some lesser known ones, including Bootes, Corona Borealis, Canis Venatici, Camelopardalis, Perseus and the Head of Medusa. The southern hemisphere includes some uncommon names given by the French astronomer Abbé Nicolas Louis de Lacaille (1713-1762), including Equuleus Pictorius (Laicalle's Pictor), Fornax Chemica (Fornax), and the obscure Microscopium. Below the title cartouche is a small manufacturer's label "Made by T.M. Bardin at 16 Salisbury Square, London." The globe is held by its original 42" wooden floor stand.

The Bardin family was one of the leading globe-making firms in the 19th century. They began producing the "New British Globes" in 1799, making this an early issue. After Thomas Marriott Bardin's death in 1819, his daughter, Elizabeth Mariott Bardin continued the business under her married name of Edkins. Bardin globes were also sold by W. & S. Jones, whose labels were often placed on top of Bardin's.

References: Sumira p. 161.

Condition: B+

A functioning globe featuring bright gores and contemporary color. There is a diagonal section extending from the title cartouche (about 3" wide by 12" long) where there are some repaired cracks and minor abrasions, including some facsimile lettering in the title, but the majority of the globe is blemish free. Horizon ring also has a few repaired cracks and tears along with minor staining. Original wooden stand is very good with some minor scuffs and abrasions, mostly around the feet. An overall very attractive example.