23 x 16 in. diam.

Note provided by Chris Jussel from Vernay & Jussel Antiques, NY. "To His Most Sacred Majesty George The Third, this new celestial globe containing all ye Southern Constellations lately observed at the Cape of Good Hope, & all the stars in Flamsted's British catalogue, its most humbly inscribed by his Majesty's most dutiful & obliged subject & servant, G. Adams. Math'l Ins't Maker to ye King. 1782."

In an age unparalleled in the quality of its scientific instruments, George Adams' reputation was pre-eminent. George III, as passionate and knowledgeable amateur scientist, appointed Adams his personal instrument maker while still Price of Wales, and continued the appointment after becoming King in 1760. A book by Adams on the construction and uses of globes first published in 1766 became the standard work of the period, and by 1810 had gone through 30 editions, the last with a preface and additions by his son Dudley, himself a distinguished maker. Adams' workshop was visited by some of the greatest Continental scientists, such as the Prussian astronomer Bernoulli, and the Portuguese J. H. de Magellan, who noted that Adams had made one of the two known static barometers.

There are a pair of globes similar to these, and dated the same year, in the Museo Astronomico in Rome, and further examples by Adams are in museums in Naples, Padua, Ravenna and Madrid.

The bases later. Wear consistent with use, some discoloration to the globe surface and a few stains. One with compass needle detached. Some surface losses. Otherwise in good condition. Nice age patina. Not withstanding this report or any discussion concerning condition of a lot, all lots are offered and sold "as is" in accordance with our conditions of sale.