Welcome to a blog about collecting Antique terrestrial, and celestial globes

     A lot of people I know who collect anything or who are passionate about a hobby usually get started by accident ( someone buys them a gift, or they stumble upon an object in an antique store) or they start collecting because they know of another collector or are exposed to it at some point IE your dad collected xyz so now you are interested.

     I think collecting globes is an accidental hobby, at least it was for me I doubt too many people know a globe collector, they are rarely displayed in museum or gallery settings, so exposure to another collector is rare. In fact I have only face to face met a handful of other collectors in over a decade.

1930 Rand McNally globe pair 

     So as I sit and write I think if there are only 50 people around who seriously collect globes than why blog at all. Well I'll answer my own question ( I'll probably do that a lot) I think globe collecting is in it's infancy. It is certainly not popular like some collecting genres. I think there are a lot of reasons for this there certainly are barriers to entry, old globes are hard to find, most antique dealers have none, in fact I visit a huge antique mall in Rochester NY fairly often and I see few if any globes and the few I see are either too beat up or too new to interest me. They take up a lot of space, after you buy your 3rd globe you will realize one of 2 things either  1. I need to change my decorating to include globes, or  2. I need to devote a whole room to my collection; many people will do neither of these things and will not pursue the hobby.

     So then why collect globes?  For me the answer is as simple as Art , Science, and History.  I love all three to varying degrees and an old globe has the potential to offer all three.    Antique globes were created at a time and with materials that are just not as commonly used today. Wood, plaster, brass, paper.  Common materials employed for their durability, built to last.  Craftsmanship that has stood the test of time. 
     As a collector my goal is to assemble a representative collection that spans a century and a half of globe production in America from 1811 until about 1950.  Won't you join me on this quest, read on and we can learn from each other.  Scroll through my posts, 120 and counting, 5 years worth, they start with the most recent and keep reading, and exploring! 
     Just two rules............1. don't be afraid to contact me, either in post, or via email, and 2. Let's have a bit of fun along the way.......

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IF YOU HAVE A GLOBE TO SELL, OR WANT DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT A GLOBE YOU OWN PLEASE EMAIL ME AT      ktl340@aol.com

A globe Library is born

About a year ago I found myself in a position to purchase what I would describe as my “ forever “ home.  An almost new house with all the standard modern amenities, but what about my collection?   Could I build a suitable space in the cavernous basement of my new house?   I would have to account for humidity, temperature, moisture of any sort, and light.   Sitting down with my builder I laid out a plan to do just that ,  a fully conditioned space, humidity control, and most importantly moisture management!    The results were better than anticipated, a dedicated globe library that occupies approximately a 14 x27 foot space complete with custom lighting,  crown molding, and a wide bank of cabinets for storage and display.  

     During my journey from architectural drawings to completion I learned a few things about building underground.  First metal framing is preferred, if things ever did get wet metal will not rot, mold or decay. Secondly the very best way to heat is radiant floor heating, I do have it in select areas but I wanted forced air for its ability to dehumidify, which is very important.  Finally egress is not only code it’s just good sense ,  I selected egress windows that are coated to filter out UV light , the enemy of all things antique!  

A H Andrews 18 inch table globe

It’s been far too long since i wrote an update to the blog! I want to share the globe that came to haunt me for years. Andrews/ CF Weber table globe. This monster is a staggering 18 inch diameter and 32 inches tall .  I’ve been chasing this globe for a very, very long time.  For decades it sat at Murray Hudson Antiquarian Globes,  I inquired, I watched, and waited but I was never able to buy .  That is until one day when I got an email asking if I were still interested and was my offer still good?   Yes and yes!  

In my opinion this is the quintessential Andrews globe, the absolutely massive dish base is one solid piece of wood measuring 16 inches in diameter. In my 20 plus years of collecting I've never run across it's twin.  This globe dates to 1895 based on political boarders and the transitional cartouche which is in itself a rare thing. Andrews / CF Weber, this globe was produced just as the CF Weber company was acquiring the assets of the bankrupt AH Andrews.  

     In 2014  I wrote a post titled, "AH Andrews an in depth perspective "  I featured this globe in that post things have come full circle you might say. 

The Denoyer Geppert Lunar globe

I am generally speaking a collector of American globes that are pre 1930. However there are a few touchstone pieces that I think every serious globe collector needs to consider, the Denoyer Geppert Lunar globe is one of those. During the space race NASA managed to send an orbiter to map the dark side of the moon and then they coordinated with Denoyer Geppert to manufacture the first complete lunar globe. This is the result:

This globe was first manufactured in May 1969 with a limited run of only 200 examples, many going to NASA dignitaries and even President Nixon. After the original run of 200 the next group of these globes bore the mark " edition : 1969" this globe is one of those, it pre dates any lunar landing sites. Later editions of this globe were updated with the Apolo landing sites right on the map surface.

This globe came to me completly by chance, whenever I travel I like to stop at the antique malls and group shops along my route. This gem was found at a large group shop just outside Cincinati Ohio. It was a shop I had probably visited half a dozen times in the past, but persistance in the hunt paid off this time. It really is all about the hunt isnt it ? I love the rush i get when knowledge and circumstance collide ! Below i have a picture of the utilitarian beauty of the Denoyer Geppert mid century globes, form and function.

Given this lunar globe's immense size it's safe to assume it was an item that was aimed at the educational market. Few of these ended up in homes. Today they do become available sporadically in the antiques market. They usually survive in very good condition, owing to their robust construction with a metal orb on which the paper gores were applied. My goal as a collector has been to assemble a representative collection of American globes that tells a story, every story needs an ending and i beleive this globe is a fitting end point for my collection. I cant see a reason to add any globe that is newer than this globe's 1969 date. I will endeaver to fill in the missing spots from Wilson to Geppert. Given the signifigance of the space race, and the national pride associated with mapping, orbiting and landing men on the moon this globe will always be a signifigant collectable item for collectors of all things space related, as well as globe collectors. Being the first globe to map the entirety of the moon it is historical and therefore a desirable piece to add to a collection. Below i have included the oficial NASA photograph of the Apolo 13 crew complete with the Denoyer Geppert lunar globe.

A.H. Andrews celestial globe , a short video

I want to share a more in depth video format for the first time, This is perhaps the rarest globe in my collection, AH Andrews celectial globe c. 1875-1885

A J Nystrom globe, 8 inch masterpiece

I have a great globe and great story to close out this year. I was lucky enough to add a globe that has eluded me for quite sone time . A J Nystrom 8 inch globe , 1928. This beauty features the extremly color rich gores from W&AK Johnston of Edinburough, quite a unique color ssheme for the 1920's.

This globe is not necessarily uncommon, what is uncommon is finding this globe in a "full mount" style, and in excellent original condition. Anyone who's read this blog in the past will know I'm a condition nut. I beleive as I collect that quality over quantity should win the day. This little gem fits the bill. I would be hard pressed to find a nicer example of any full mount 8 inch globe from the 1920's ! Needless to say I'm really excited to add this to my collection. This orb is the same one that is often seen in "Kittinger" globes of the same time period, all Kittinger did was take these globe orbs, re- label them and put them in their wooden stands. the maps and meridian ring, and horizon band are all Johnston/ Nystrom. This globe rests on a very attractive lion paw tripod stand , it is cast iron with a copper wash, very common for the period, and nicely executed in this globe here:

Below I want to share a picture of the Horizon band, this is the exact same horizon band used on Weber Costello globes of the time, certainly suggesting that Nystrom was in the business of farming out much of their globe production, in fact the meridian ring is also identical to other Weber costello products of the time.

So I promised a story, about how I came to find this gem. Most of the time I find my best globes on ebay, but the past year or so I've noticed a definate migration away from ebay. Several great leads have happened through this website as people contact me. This globe came via facebook, on a map and globe group. It was great to have all of the pieces come together. I was able to make a deal and shipping was quick because as buyer and seller we didn't live all that far from each other. Pro tip, The UPS store does an excellent job packing and shipping delicate items, this is the third such item that has been packaged through them always with safe and secure results.

I have mentioned before that eight inch globes in my opinion are more desirable from a collecting standpoint that 12 inch globes, mostly for the relative scarcity of them as compared to larger globes. They are also the smallest globes that were available in a " full mount" configuration. The eight inch size just has excellent proportions that really show the art and science that make old globes so much fun to collect. Finally I will leave you with a picture of 3 8 inch globes from my collection Rand McNally, Nystrom, and Weber Costello. All from Chicago, all also produced between 1925-30. Notice the variation in the tripod bases each company putting their own spin on a classic design. The globes from 1920-35 are really the last of the American globes manufactured with traditional materials of plaster, wood, metal and paper. In the years following the manufacturing process took a decidedly cost concious turn and price beat out quality in the globe world.

As always please dont hesitate to contact me if you have a globe question or have a globe for sale.

A H Andrews eight inch terrestrial globe 1868

       I've been waiting to write this blog entry for years, as an avid American globe collector there are a few touchstone globes that you want from the 19th century and this is one of those.   This is an AH Andrews 8 inch full mount globe from the late 1860's ,  it's on what might be described as Andrew's signature mount, the gothic tripod complete with 12 sided horizon ring.  Paper, wood, and brass in an iconic combination.  

AH Andrews 1868, 8 inch globe

     This globe is an example of the best AH Andrews was making, the ornate tripod base was quite an unexpected level of detail for what was a small desk globe.   This model was retail $15 in the late 1860's which amounts to roughly $300 in 2021 dollars,  quite a sum for such an object.   The US purchase of Alaska is complete on this orb ( 1867 ) but Yellowstone has yet to be designated a national park ( 1872).  

     This example sits in all original condition, and in remarkable preservation.  The orb is nearly unblemished, and the tripod base is in excellent shape, the horizon band is original and shows some water stains but so often the paper is in even worse condition on other Andrews globes of the time period.   This is exactly how collectors dream to find 150 year old objects,  all original and excellent preservation.  It's my job to now preserve this item for the next generation. 

 These two pictures show the horizon ring and a close up of North America .   The orb has mellowed and darkened slightly over time but the Andrews map is still colorful.   I had an interesting time acquiring this globe as I was contacted by a blog reader with an interest in selling this globe.  Now usually when I'm contacted the person is far from me, in one case Hawaii ,  but this time they actually lived not so far and we were  able to  meet up and I had the luxury of seeing in person before I bought.  As anyone who's had a package damaged in shipping can attest sometimes in person is the way to go.    

     I own a similar 8 inch Andrews that is about 5-10 years newer in that Yellowstone Park is marked but little else differentiates the two orbs, save for the mounting style. 

     

A very early A J Nystrom globe

      Happy spring!   I want to share an interesting item to come my way not long ago.   This is a very early A J Nystrom 8 inch globe that dates from 1906 or so.    The map gores are from W&AK Johnston and show the charesteric excellent color of that manufacture. 

     A J Nystrom of Chicago became the sole US distributor of Johnston orbs in 1904, this globe still      features "Indian Territory" in present day Oklahoma which would place this globe as earlier than 1908. 

  Here we've got an 8 inch example of the Nystrom/ Johnston partnership from the earliest time in their alliance.   This is the earliest Nystrom globe I have ever encountered, pictured here with the globe manual that could have been purchased with this globe .  The globe is mounted on a very early bronzed tripod stand, the very earliest version of what would become the ubiquitous clawfoot tripod that was popular for decades in the between war years.   This globe still features the pre WW1 geography, even remnants of empires still exist!   

      The pandemic has affected the antiques market in several ways that has certainly impacted how and at what cost antiques come to market.  Most obviously good things are going up,  in some cases way up.  Seems the top 10% of quality in most categories including globes is moving high right now.  Buying quality condition is more important than ever!   I hope you enjoy the post and as always ask questions, and email me directly if you've got something great to sell or trade,  ktl340@aol.com

This globe collectors year in review

     Obviously 2020 has presented multiple challenges. To pretend differently is foolish, that said I want to post about quite an interesting year on the collecting front.    Some years I find many new treasures, some years I find very few. This year was something of a banner year as far as my collection goes.  I'm going to run down from the start.

1.  The year started out slowly In January and February I was able to purchase a series of great globe related ephermal items. Including an exceedingly rare AH Andrews original advertisement, and a Schedler globe manual/ catalog . 

2.  March and April brought 2 tiny surprises to my collection the addition of a Holbrook 3 inch hinged globe as well as a great Schedler 3 inch globe.  Both went off to Green Dragon for some conservation work and I was able to check two globes off my bucket list.   Incidentally I was also able to secure an original Schedler handbook to complete the globe. 

3. April found me on eBay with the chance to purchase a great small globe from the American globe and School supply company.  I bought it right so I was willing to try my hand at a cleaning technique that turned out to work with spectacular results. 

                               

4.  May took me on a bit of a road trip to find a delightful Amberg flat file cabinet that would prove the perfect storage solution for my ever accumulating collection of handbooks, ads, and manuals.   Everything cataloged and in one place. 

5.  June was interesting in that I was afforded the opportunity to purchase the wooden carrying case that would complete my Trippensee Planetarium, that along with the correct instruction book make for a wonderful set. 

6.  September found me much closer to home where I was able to locate an original wall map of my hometown,  with some ingenuity I was able to hang it in a place that minimizes exposure to damaging UV rays as well as allowing the map to become a centerpiece of my library. 

All in all a banner year for this collector,  Some of these items were bargains some were retail purchases, but when considered as bringing joy and preserving history then a worthwhile expense for sure!

Holbrook 3 inch globe update

.    A few months back I came into possession of a nice Holbrook 3 inch hinged globe.  It had a few minor issues and I was struggling to find a way to properly protect and display this small gem.  With the help of  The Green Dragon Bindery I was able to solve both problems.  In the picture below I have a wonderful clamshell box with a special insert designed to display the Holbrook globe 2 different ways.  The globe can sit in the  insert in the open position showing the flat map , or you can choose to display the globe in hemispheres on the cushioned display piece,  an ingenious solution to a difficult globe to display well,  when not on display it all closes up in a neat dust free protective package.

In the next couple photos I'm showing the small globe in its protective box,  the box itself is made from a repurposed World book encyclopedia, I love the new world book it's become! 

Holbrook hinged globes were a wonderfully utilitarian learning tool.  For that reason they survive today in generally poor condition.  I am fortunate to have found a nice survivor, and Green Dragon Bindery did a superb job conserving it and fixing a few small issues. It will now carry on another 100 years as a piece of American history.