A PAIR OF GEORGE III 21-INCH TERRESTRIAL AND CELESTIAL LIBRARY GLOBES BY JOHN & WILLIAM CARY, LONDON, CIRCA 1800-1815 |

the Terrestrial globe with cartouche reading '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 1815', the Celestial globe with cartouche reading '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 printed paper compass at the base signed 'J & W CARY, STRAND, LONDON', on brass mounted mahogany stands

Acquired from Podesta, Milano, 1964

In overall reasonable restored condition. gallery inspection recomended. Terrestrial globe: splits along equatorial line and crude restorations in and around Sub-Saharan Africa and the Amazonian basin. South Pole with some scratches and related restorations. Otherwise generally with old scuffs and scratches. Colour faded. Celestial globe: axis has been re-positioned. Small repairs. Colour faded. Stands: calendar papers with losses, old marks, scuffs and scratches consistent with age and use. Re-polished. Compass lacking its arms and glass covers to each stand.
"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. Examples of the company`s work are illustrated in Elly Dekker and Peter van der Krogt, Globes from the Western World, 1993, pls. 33, 37, and 38.