Lot Essay
George Adams the elder (1704-1772) was an eminent instrument-maker who held the appointment of mathematical instrument-maker to the Prince of Wales, later George III. He was principally known for his globes and microscopes, and in 1766 published a treatise 'describing the contruction and explaining the use of new celestial and terrestrial globes'. He is particularly renowned for his large 18 inch globes issued in 1765, which were mounted on stylish tripod stands, and often had special brass bands encircling the globe ('The World in Your Hands', Exhibition Catalogue, London, Christie's, 1994, p. 74, no. 5.12).