A Smith's 30in. Celestial Globe, circa 1850, by George Philip & Son

on a simulated oak stand; the globe inscribed: "Smith’s Celestial globe containing all the principal / stars complied from the works of Wollaston, Flamsted, De La Caille, / Havelius, Maiur, Bradley, Herschel, Maskelye / the transaction of the / Astronomical Society of London / G Phillips & Son Limited 32 Fleet St London EC"

Overall good condition, with some minor damage around poles, some old cracks to globe and scuffing to paper; this globe is of great size and vivid colours. Minor losses to paper now filled, painted pedestal with losses to paint.
"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."

This remarkable celestial globe may well be the only surviving example of a Smith's celestial globe in this size. A modern reproduction made from facsimilies of the gores used in the current globe is in the collections of the Royal Museums Greenwich (GLB0243). The note to the Greenwich modern example states that no original 30in. Smith's globes are currently known and that most of the Smith's glasses were made in 12 and 15in. sizes.

George Philip (1800-1882), cartographer and map publisher, was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and in 1819 moved to Liverpool where he became assistant to the leading Liverpool bookseller, William Grapel. He set up his own business in 1834 as bookseller and stationer but rapidly expanded to produce books, particularly maps and educational works. His son joined the business as partner in 1848 and shortly after, in 1851-2, they have expanded to London premises opening at 32 Fleet Street. They have produced globes mainly in association with other globe makers as in the case of the present lot where they have used prints from Strand’s map and globe maker Charles Smith. Philip and Son continued its activities as publisher, map and globe maker until joining a publishing group in 1988.