Loring’s Terrestrial and Celestial Table Globes.

LORING, Josiah.

$30,000.00

Item Number: 132508

Boston: Josiah Loring, c. 1833.

Fine pair of rare early 19th century American celestial and terrestrial table globes published by Josiah Loring. Both the celestial and terrestrial globe measure 17 inches in diameter with a calibrated brass meridian ring and 17 inch mahogany horizon ring decorated with mounted hand colored decorations. Mounted on ebonized oak stands. Each globe is comprised of 12 richly detailed hand-colored gores with polar calottes, the terrestrial globe detailing the earth’s landmasses, major countries and cities and the celestial showing the major stars in various sizes related to their brightness. Major constellations and all twelve zodiac signs are illustrated with detailed hand-colored drawings. In near fine condition. A very nice set.

Publisher, bookbinder, and globe maker Josiah Loring began selling globes in 1832 and soon won a gold medal at the 1839 exhibition of the Massachusetts Mechanic Association for his craftmanship. The Association noted his globes “perfect sphericity, the exactness of its balance and suspension, the smoothness of the surface, the beauty and correctness of the copperplate, and the elegance of the mounting, unite to render these Globes the most excellent of their kind, that have ever been examined by the Committee.”