AN ENGLISH 18 INCH CELESTIAL LIBRARY GLOBE, W. & T.M. BARDIN, CIRCA 1800, equipped with a graduated brass meridian ring supported by a mahogany tripartite pedestal stand ending in squat spade feet, brass caps, and casters, enclosed by a horizontal calendrical ring bearing the months of the year and their corresponding zodiac, the cartouche located in the southern hemisphere is inscribed, "To the Rev./NEVIL MASKELYNE, D.D. F.R.S./Astronomer Royal/The New British Celestial Globe/Containing the positions of nearly 6,000 Stars, Clusters, Nebulae, Planetary/Nebulae &c. Correctly computed & laid down to the year 1800 from the latest observati/ons and discoveries by Dr. Maskelyne, Dr. Herschel, The Revd Mr. Wollaston &c. &c./Is respectfully Dedicated/by his most obedient hbl Servants/W.&T.M. Bardin," over a rectangular framed inscription, "Manufactured & Sold Wholesale & Retail/By W. & T.M. Bardin/16 Salisbury Square Fleet Street London." Height: 41" Diameter: 24 1/4" NOTE: Much literature is to be found on the history of the Bardin Family, arguably the greatest family of British globe makers of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, as well as the family firm's founder and patriarch, William Bardin (English 1740-1803). Around 1780, William Bardin began his work as a local London artisan. After completing a seven year globe making apprenticeship, Bardin's son, Thomas Marriott Bardin (1768-1819) went into partnership with his father, establishing W. & T.M. Bardin in 1790. The skill necessary to produce the 18 inch New British Globes, such as the one being offered, earned the father-son duo respect among their peers. Scholars dispute the precise date these globes were published and first made available for public purchase. Yet, great care was given towards the globes' marketing campaign. The inscribed dedication to astronomer the Reverend Dr. Nevil Maskelyne (British 1732-1811) complimented the interests of buyers who frequented the revered scientific instruments firm W.&S. Jones. W.&S. Jones carried the 18 inch terrestrial-celestial globe set and regularly advertised on Bardin's behalf. A virtually identical celestial globe by W. & T.M. Bardin is currently part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington D.C. For further information on the Bardin Family and their illustrious globes, see: Millburn, Rossaak, "The Bardin Family, Globe Makers in London," Der Globusfreund, 1992, pg. 21-66; and Dekker, "Globes at Greenwich," Oxford, 1999, pg. 260-270. A virtually identical globe was sold at Christie's London, 29 April 2014, lot 118 for $10,546, as well as Christie's New York, 24 October 2013, lot 688 for $5,000. A closely related terrestrial globe of the same size, date, and maker, sold at Bonham's London, 16 September 2009, lot 7w for $14,448.

Intact, structurally sound, and in good working order. The paper covering the globe and calendrical ring is faded, with areas of significant spotting and discoloration. The globe itself with a number of significant repairs, in addition to ink marks, cracks, scratches, and some loss of paper, all appropriate and expected for a globe that has survived and remained in use for the past two hundred years. Repairs and restorations appear aged but stable. Clearly and correctly marked. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."