A splendid Art Nouveau Library Globe by Hammonds of New York. Playful elegance is the best way to describe this exceptionally rare find. A product of the depression era, the globe offers a beautiful, warm patina and documents the world just before the Great Depression. But it is the superb cast metal stand that transforms this scientific instrument into a piece of art. Combining form and function at its best, the stand offers playful Art Nouveau (aka Jugendstil) details. The beautiful Horizon ring is made of wood, covered by a paper declaring days,months, zodiacs and a time dial.

Political borders document metropolitan centers of the past one can only read of in history books today. View the mysterious Constantinople, which changed to Istanbul in 1930. Central Australia is documented (1926-31), a state that existed for only 5 years. Note Arabia instead of Saudi Arabia.

Hammonds was a well respected publisher of atlases and maps in the early 20th century in New York. Even though Hammonds sold terrestrial and celestial spheres, their production was generally done by Weber Costello but for this orb the gores came from a British company, most likely Philip’s or Bacon. If you are looking for the rarely obtainable, this fine masterpiece is for you.

Description: Covered with 12 individual, hand applied paper gores representing the map, the plaster orb has a diameter of 12 inches and a total width of 17.5 inches including horizon ring. This masterpiece stands 36 inches tall. The legend of the map identifies Isothermal lines, currents and railways in addition to geographical political data. The horizon ring consists of wood with a paper layer applied atop, representing months, days, hours and zodiacs.

Condition: Despite being nearly 100 years old, this globe is in remarkably good condition. There are very few signs of rubbing, soiling or scuffing throughout the orb. The base is also in excellent condition with no cracks or structural damage. The horizon ring equals the map; overall well preserved with some soiling and aging. The original screws are missing. There is a loss of paper in the word “April.” Please see photos for more details.

Item #: 0320HAMMARTNUO29