William IV 21-Inch Terrestrial and Celestial Floor Globes by J. W. Cary

This stately pair of William IV 21-inch Terrestrial and Celestial Globes was crafted by the esteemed mapmaking firm J. & W. Cary, exuding the essence of late Regency-era elegance. Beyond their visual appeal, these precisely detailed maps of the earth and skies were also crucial instruments of learning and business in the days of exploration and an essential item in any educated gentleman’s library.

The terrestrial globe provided the most current geographical information of the time, including facts discovered during expeditions to the North Pole, while the celestial globe provided a timeless map of the heavens, an essential tool in shipping. The globes measure a robust 21 inches in diameter, making them exponentially larger than standard globes of this period and thus exceedingly rare. Each globe rests on classically beautiful mahogany triform stands, joined by functioning compass stretchers and accented with brass caps and castors. These globes display a magnificent patina and are encircled by engraved brass meridian rings and surmounted by hour rings.

Founded in the late 18th century by map publisher John Cary and his brother William, an instrument maker, J. & W. Cary made their first globes in 1791 and soon became one of London’s most sought-after and successful globe manufacturers by the end of the century. Their expert design and craftsmanship allowed them to quickly take command of the English globe-producing market, which flourished at this time due to Britain’s dominating naval prowess.

The terrestrial globe is inscribed “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 LA PEROUSE, 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 1, 1815 WITH ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO 1837.”

The celestial globe is inscribed "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 Rev d. Mr. WOLLASTON .F.R.S. Compiled from the Authorities of FLAMSTEED, DE LA CAILLE, HEVELIUS, MAYER, BRADLEY, HERSCHEL, MASKELYNE & c. With an extensive number from the Works of Mifs 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."

Terrestrial globe dated 1815, with additions and corrections 1837
Celestial globe dated 1799

31“ diameter x 47“ high