Description
The globe has an extraordinary amount of cartographic detail, including such notations as the locations of native tribes in North America and Africa; the tracks of explorers including Cook, Gore, Vancouver and De La Perouse; and pale divisions between those states that had been incorporated into the United States, reflecting that nation’s borders before the Mexican War and before the boundary was settled between the Oregon Territory and British Columbia — both of which occurred in the 1840s. Alaska is labeled “Russian Territory.” Antarctica is largely unmapped, with only a few fragments of coastline, including Enderby’s Land, discovered in 1831, which helps date this globe to after that year. However, Michigan, which became a state in 1837, is not labeled, possibly dating the cartography to before that time.
Kirkwood & Son was a globe making firm in Edinburgh, Scotland. Read more about them in our Guide for Globe Makers.
Cartouche: KIRKWOOD’S/ NEW TERRESTRIAL GLOBE/ with the very latest/ DISCOVERIES./ Kirkwood & Son, 11 South St. Andrew Street Edinburgh
Condition: Generally very good with the usual expected light toning and wear. Some minor scattered abrasions professionally restored. Engraved paper horizon band a bit darkened overall with some minor chipped losses (restored). Overall has a nice golden antique tone that many prefer, and is very clear and readable particularly for a globe of its age. Stand very good with the usual wear and shrinkage.
References:
Dekker, Elly, et al. Globes at Greenwich: A Catalogue of the Globes and Armillary Spheres in the National Maritime Museum. London: Oxford University Press and the National Maritime Museum, 1999. pp. 45-46, 50, 55, 372 and 382.
Dekker, Elly and van der Krogt, Peter. Globes from the Western World. London: Zwemmer, 1993. pp. 118, 120 and 176.
“Dublin University Magazine Advertiser for November.” Dublin University Magazine. November 1836, No. 47. Dublin: William Curry, Jr. and Company. p. 53. Online at Google Books: http://books.google.com/books?id=iz4zAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA494 (18 July 2014).
Strickland, Walter G. Dictionary of Irish Artists. 1913. Online at Library Ireland: http://www.libraryireland.com/irishartists/john-kirkwood.php (18 July 2014).