This rare artifact documents empires long before the dismay of their existence. Imperial kingdoms including the British, the Austria-Hungarian and the Ottoman Empire are shown to have conquered the world. Metropolitan centers of the past such as Constantinople, Christiana and St. Petersburg are visible The US is visible as a young nation, with Indian Territories identified by tribe, from Cherokee to Apache and more. Future States like Alaska are shown as territories instead as other states are still to be created. The Dakotas have just recently been divided.(1898). Australia is also identified as New Holland, a name provided by the Dutch Explorers and carried up to 1814. Congo State in Africa is displayed (est.1884, changed to Belgian Congo in 1908).

An interesting detail to be noted is the map displaying Africa, Native American and many other tribes throughout the world. Note the detailed, beautifully colored map and ornate mounting, a testament of superb craftsmanship! This fine artifact celebrates French styled elegance to the utmost detail. The base contains refined figural male faces with elegant mustaches.

The letters LB for Lebegue are also incorporated into the ornate cast iron base. Lebegue was one of the leading globe-publishers of the late 1800s. The company produced a wide range of models and published in several languages. Their line also included astronomical curiosities, such as ornate clock globes. Among the terrestrial globes published by Lebegue were those conceived by Dubail and by Bardot. A branch company functioned in Brussels, Belgium. The relationship between both parties is not known. However, there is speculation Alfonso Nicolas Lebegue went into exile from Paris to Brussels in the 1840s to escape prosecution by the French Government. As a supporter of the social revolution, he published the work of Dumas, Wauters, Hubert and other revolutionary thinkers and his own literature. Eventually Lebegue and his engraver J.C. Bernhart returned to Paris, continuing publishing books and globes. Upon Alfonso’s death his son Jules continued his work until c 1910. We are still completing our research on this subject, please stay tuned as we are in the process to connect the dots between Brussels and Paris. Any additional information is welcomed.

The globe consists of 12 individual hand laid paper gores and two polar calottes over a plaster sphere. The legend identifies mountain ranges, sea currents, Native American, Eskimo and African tribes throughout.. The mounting is made of cast iron. Details are superb and ornate, including lion’s paw, human faces and the LB medallion on the center of the base. Diameter of the globe is about 14 inches with a total height of about 23.5 inches. Quite a commanding and majestic piece!

Overall exceptionally well preserved. Some abrasions as shown in photos, minor scuffing and soiling throughout. If you are looking for the rarely obtainable, this fine artifact filled with exceptional history is for you. $1,299 - Item #: 0114LEB1889