Pair of globes, early 19th century

Dimensions: H 94 cm x D 42 cm

Work from the beginning of the 19th century.

Two globes forming a pendant. One representing the celestial, the other the terrestrial.

Terrestrial globe with cartridge signed James Wilson, dated 1814 and modified in 1819.
This globe was made according to the cartography of Captain Cook (18th century English navigator, explorer and cartographer): “A New American Terrestrial Globe on which the principal places of the Knows World are accurated with the latest of Captain Cook discoveries. James Wilson 1814 with additions to 1819 »
The Wilson Company was America's leading manufacturer of globes. In 1813, James Wilson opened his geographic globe factory in the United States and sold the first 13-inch American globe. The globes were so successful that Wilson opened a second business in Albany, N.Y. and began making globes of all sizes and materials.

Wilson's celestial globe with a cartouche signed C. Lancaster and dated 1836 presents nearly 7,000 bodies, stars and nebulae. It was produced based on the most concrete and approved information of the time.
“Wilson's New Thirteen Inch Celestial Globe containing the positions of nearly 7000 stars, clusters, nebulae & c. Carefully compiled and laid down from the latest and most approved astronomical tables reduced to the present time. By C. Lancaster, 1836, Albany., St N.Y »
It was in 1835 that Cyrus Lancaster took over the management of the Wilson company and thus perpetuated the great knowledge and realization of the terrestrial and celestial world.


Made of cardboard and printed paper, they are mounted on a baluster-shaped mahogany tripod base ending in brass casters.
Their brass meridian is graduated and their brass top graduates the hours and quarter hours. Their equatorial table, for their part, determines the months and astrological signs. This zodiac band has several graduations and supports the globe by its equatorial axis and its equinoctial circle.

These two beautiful and interesting works from the beginning of the 19th century were produced respectively just a year after the opening of the Wilson business and a year after Wilson was succeeded by Lancaster. Thus, these two globes, forming a pendant, are very interesting due to their similar creation and their recent production at company openings.