Original 13 inch diameter terrestrial & celestial globe pair by James Wilson (1763-1855), America’s first Globe Maker  Not often does one have the opportunity to obtain true antique spheres with significant History as these artifacts by James Wilso, first American Globe maker.  It is even less common to find a matching pair, "heaven and earth". We pare pleased to offers this pair with dated cartouches, 1825 and 1831. Born in Londonderry, New Hampshire,[1] Wilson farmed with his father and trained as a blacksmith, though had little other formal education. He moved to Bradford, Vermont in 1796 and became interested in cartography and taught himself map making. He invested in an encyclopedia and taught himself engraving and mapmaking with the intention of producing maps for the schoolchildren of America. When visiting Dartmouth College's European globe collection, Wilson was inspired by a pair of terrestrial and celestial globes. He left determined to produce his own and produced a heavy wooden sphere covered with ink drawings on paper. Though his first attempts were disappointing, Wilson continued on his quest. He sought out an expert in copper engraving and studied with Amos Doolittle in order to master the art of engraving. In 1813, he opened the first geographic globe factory in the US and sold his initial 13 inch globe for $50. The Wilson globes met with huge success and he produced sets of his own celestial and terrestrial globes for sale. Wilson increased his production to meet demand and with his sons, he later opened a second factory in Albany, New York. Today most models are to be found in museums and institutions world wide, including the David Ramsey collection (Harvard), National Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Museum system. Very few James Wilson artifacts are known to remain in private collections. Ref. Wikipidia- International Coronelli Society for the Study of Globes- National Library of Congress archive J.Wilson & Sons 13-Inch Terrestrial Table Globe     Albany, New York: 1825 J.Wilson& Sons 13-Inch Celestial Table Globe         Albany, New York: 1831 Each artifact consists of a wood & plaster orb, covered by hand applied, copper etched, printed and hand colored paper gores representing a terrestrial and celestial map respectively. Mounted into a full brass meridian and nested into a cradle style base with horizon ring, covered by engraved paper displaying calendar and zodiac. Each Artifact is a total of 18 inches high, 18 inches in diameter. raised on a four-legged , baluster turned ,stained hardwood stand with cross stretchers. Each orb has a diameter of 13 inches. Details of the map Terrestrial Sphere The southwest United States is called Internal Provinces. Tracks of great explorers are shown. Alaska is shown to be Russian America. Some of the US territory reaches well into Canada. Polar regions and center region of Africa is yet to be explored. Australia is named in its former name: New Holland. Most modern day countries are yet to be formed. Copper plate etching and print with hand coloring. Celestial Sphere The celestial globe displays zodiacs and constellations in the form of mythological figures, some differing in names from modern day established titles. Copper plate etching and print with hand coloring. Condition   The map of each artifact is in good condition with the usual toning and expected wear given its age.  Some appropriate darkening, rubbing and soiling present, with various wear to surface, some spotting, cracks and abrasions, professionally restored. The celestial globe has more darkening and wear than the terrestrialVery well presented. Mounting is also in good condition, well preserved with some professional repairs, brass meridians have been replaced. Terrestrial Cartouche: A NEW AMERICAN THIRTEEN INCH- TERRESTRIAL GLOBE.- Exhibiting  with the greatest possible Accuracy,- THE POSITIONS OF THE PRINCIPAL KNOWN- PLACES OF THE EARTH;- With the Tracks of various Circumnavigators together with- New Discoveries and Political Alterations down to- The present PERIOD: 1825- BY J. WILSON & SONS ALBANY ST. N.Y.- Oval Celestial Cartouche: A NEW- AMERICAN- CELESTIAL GLOBE- containing the Positions of nearly 5000- Stars, Clusters, Nebulae & c. Carefully compil'd- & laid down from the latest & most approv'd- astronomical tables reduced to the present- time- BY J. WILSON & SONS.- 1831- ALBANY. ST. N.Y.- Well packed, these artifacts will ship in individual boxes. Domestic postage is $ 52. Please inquire for international quotes. $18,000    SKU#814WILSONPR