By Trey Thomas
The oldest terrestrial globe dates back to 1492,
a time when circumnavigation
of the world by Spanish and Portuguese explorers was at its height. Because
of how expensive and challenging they were to make, old world globes were
precious and held in the utmost respect. As such, they were almost exclusively
in the hands of Kings and noble families.
During those
times, owning a globe meant that you had power over the known lands and that
you understood the intricacies of world geography—that in turn, meant having a
cultured upbringing only money and power could buy. A globe was perhaps one of
the ultimate status symbols of the day.
As the years,
decades, and centuries rolled on by, globes would become more widely available,
though they are still held in high reverence. These old world
globes that have made their way into the present give us a glimpse into a
bygone era, a snapshot of how people saw the world as it was, or to be more
precise, how it was known to them.
Collectors of antique globes known that the
really fine globes are far and few between, which is why care should be taken
when collecting them.
Here’s a look at what a collector looks at
when examining an antique globe.
Condition
Condition is perhaps the most important factor to consider not just in antique globes, but antiques in general. No antique globe is free of minor defects like scratches and small patches of discoloration, so expect to these issues. What you should look out for are signs that the globe has been badly damaged; look for dents and major cracks. Difference between
The globe’s stand should also be in good
shape. Oftentimes, the stand will be the difference between an ordinary globe
and one that’s actually extraordinary.
Manufacturer
After condition, see if you can determine who the maker of the globe was. The Dutch Republic pioneered the commercial manufacturing of the globes, which took place in the late 15th century, eventually spreading out to the rest of Europe and centuries later, America. Italian globes in the 16th century made a name for themselves for their decorative flair, while France’s Royal Cartographers made globes for King Louis XIV in the 17th century.
Ultimate Globes has a guide on how to
date your globe, complete with a chart containing dates of globe production,
along with their corresponding countries and manufacturers.
Be sure to check back on this blog for Part
II of this article series.
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