The British Empire Educational Globe

A handsome 8 inch terrestrial globe by C. Smith and Son printed in several colours presented on original turned mahogany base and upright, with brass mounting and secured with an acorn finial; circa 1890. The globe comprises of twelve coated lithographic paper gores over an 8 inch sphere of gesso. The age of the globe has been identified by the political borders and cities displayed: Persia, Congo Free State, Constantinople, and St. Petersburg are all visible. This nicely aged, richly detailed globe, shows all the continents and countries as they were at the time and also indicates all the major ocean currents, connecting currents and the Antarctic & South East Trade Wind Drifts. Very well preserved, the original stand is also in excellent condition. Charles Smith was a noted stationer, map and globe seller in London from about 1800. From around 1830 the business name became Charles Smith & Son, and from 1853 the business was owned by Charles' son William. Smith and Sons produced a number of well engraved maps and several fine atlases. Their globes and maps are very distinctive, characterised by their lucid, fine engraving and vibrant colour washes that combine to make them both attractive and informative.

Dimensions: 36 cm/14 inches (height)