Globe terrestre, dresse par Ambroise Tardieu, d'apres l'invention die A Weinling et cie.

Strasbourg: Marin & Schmidt, 1831. First Edition.. An excellent copy with occasional light surface wear and one or two spots; the black base stand is a modern reproduction.. The globe is comprised of 12 gores printed on kid leather and handcolored.

An incredible survival including the original decorated paste paper cylindrical box it was sold in by the manufacturer. Ten years ago Sotheby's claimed they were selling the only known existing copy in private hands of this globe (June 1991, lot # 404). Apparently they were incorrect. Here is another, (truncated) better example. The globe was originally to be inflated for use and then deflated, taken down, and stored. It was intended for the amusement of adolescents. Both terrestrial and celestial globes were offered by the manufacturer. The globe is made up of 12 gores of kid skin and two polar calottes of the same material that are so skillfully joined as to appear seamless. The gores were printed from steel engraved plates and then handcolored. The coloring, names, outlines of countries, geographical points of interest etc. all remain fresh and legible (Dolz refers to the fact that the globe he so meticulously describes is nearly illegible because of age browning). Tardieu is recognized as one of the premier French map engravers and the globe benefits from the inclusion of the most recent mapping of the unknown portions of the world (all major voyages of discovery are included through Dumont d' Urville and Beechey in 1826/27). The diameter is appx. 8 1/2 inches with all the text in French. There is a brass valve with a stopcock at the north pole and a brass pinion at the south pole. The globe rests and turns in a wood meridian ring, horizon ring, and quadrant. The rings retain their original brightly finished orange and green enamel paint. The rings and quadrant are overlaid with paper engraved with designs of the zodiac, place names, coordinates, climate, and degree markings. There is an hour ring with a brass pointer at the north pole. The horizon ring has inset brass fittings to align the quadrant and meridian ring and provide a rigid structure when assembled. Overall the condition is excellent. A brass stand contemporary with the globe, but not original to it, is provided. The box accompanying the globe has a hole on the underside not affecting the printed surface. A wonderful cartographic artifact. Dolz, Erd - und Himmelsgloben, pp. 58-59; absent from Yonge. (Inventory #: 5228)