Bardin’s New British Terrestrial and Celestial Globes. [Nineteenth Century English Globes].

$150,000.00

Item Number: 129376

Fine pair of two large Regency period globes produced by William and Thomas M. Bardin, two of the most highly regarded globemakers of the period. Both the celestial and terrestrial globe measure 18 inches in diameter and are mounted on the original mahogany tripod stands with central compasses mounted on raised brass casters. Fitted with brass meridian rings, the terrestrial globe with an additional brass hour circle at the north pole. The horizon circles for both globes have engraved paper zodiacal rings with calendar. Each with a cartouche reading, “Sir Joseph Banks, Bart K.B., President of the Royal Society, this New British Terrestrial Globe: 1807; The Rev. Nevil. Maskelyne, D.D.F.R.S, Astronomer royal, This New British Celestial Globe c. 1800. The terrestrial globe’s cartouche has additional text reading: “Containing all the latest discoveries and communications from the most correct and authentic observations and surveys to the year 1799 by Capt. Cook.. engraved from an accurate drawing by Mr. Arrowsmith, Geographer…W. & T. M. Bardin. Additions to 1807-1814.” The New British celestial globe’s cartouche, “Containing the positions of nearly 6000 stars, clusters, nebulae, planetary nebulae & c., correctly laid down to the present period from the latest observations. W. 7 T. Ma. Bardin.” In near fine condition. The terrestrial globe has some older restorations and minor losses and a repair to the horizon band. The celestial globe with minor age cracks on the north pole with minor restorations. Compass needles and paper in facsimile. Exceptionally rare. Paired examples of Bardin’s 18 inch globes are almost never offered on the market, particularly with the original tripod stands. A similar pair can be seen at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.

William Bardin and his son Thomas M. Bardin were important globe and instrument makers in the late 18th century. Both were professional cartographers and their globes show an elegance and style often lacking in their English competition. Bardin's 18 inch globes were the largest produced by this distinguished firm, and were among the finest globes available in the period, introduced in 1798. New revised editions were published until at least the 1820s. All editions were offered with a choice of furniture styles, of which those with mahogany floor stands, such as these were the most luxurious. The geography of the terrestrial globe was largely taken from the work of Aaron Arrowsmith, the most accomplished mapmaker of the early 19th century; his North American geography greatly influenced Lewis and Clark. The discoveries of Hearne, Mackenzie, Cook and other great explorers of the preceding decades are also shown in detail.