Just three inches in diameter, the miniature globe was made in London prior to the American War of Independence as evidenced a number of historical anomalies; Australia is labelled New Holland, and South America is called ‘Amazons Country’. What we call the Indian Ocean was then known as the Eastern Ocean. The mapping also shows California as a peninsula rather than an integral part of the American coastline, whilst Antarctica is missing entirely! However the Great Wall of China is included.

Its spherical casing is wooden and covered with fish skin, giving the item an unusual, tactile texture. Inside the casing, the constellations of the northern and southern hemispheres are illustrated with remarkable detail.

In great condition, this little rarity was handed down by members of the same family, who most recently lived locally in Honiton. This is a really lovely item that the buyer will undoubtedly treasure. There’s so much to look at and discover about how the world was seen three hundred years ago. 

It’s estimated at around £1500 and will be on view for three days from Wednesday April 10th prior to our next sale on Saturday April 13th which starts at 10am. See you there!