Details
GLASS CELESTIAL GLOBE. Sohlbergs Himmelsglob. Stockholm: Üller & Cni, circa 1870.
An unusual glass celestial globe, diameter 9½ inches (24cm.), overall height 22 inches (56cm.). The glass celestial sphere made up of two hemispheres joined along the plain of the ecliptic, the sphere engraved with parallels of latitude, the tropics and polar circles, the meridians for every 30°, the equator with a 24 hour scale numbered in roman numerals, the ecliptic circle comprising a band of silvered metal laid over the surface of the glass, numerous stars engraved on the northern hemisphere and identified by their magnitude. The glass sphere is mounted and clamped at each pole and adjustable for rotation and inclination against horizontal and vertical scales, the brass mounting of the southern pole incorporating a gas valve with tap and lock arranged so as to rorate the axis against a scale, the interior brass axis of the globe with an enamelled terrestrial globe, diameter ¾ inches (19mm.), unsigned. The whole sphere mounted on a cast iron stand, the black ground with gilt foliate decoration, the three legs cast with similar decoration in relief, brass makers label punched no 28.
A very fine and unusual celestial globe apparently issued in Stockholm for academic and institutional use. The gas valve at the south pole suggests that coloured gases could be introduced into the sphere to create a greater effect. Of the 50 original examples made, only 20 are said to have survived, and very few are in as good as condition as the present example.
An unusual glass celestial globe, diameter 9½ inches (24cm.), overall height 22 inches (56cm.). The glass celestial sphere made up of two hemispheres joined along the plain of the ecliptic, the sphere engraved with parallels of latitude, the tropics and polar circles, the meridians for every 30°, the equator with a 24 hour scale numbered in roman numerals, the ecliptic circle comprising a band of silvered metal laid over the surface of the glass, numerous stars engraved on the northern hemisphere and identified by their magnitude. The glass sphere is mounted and clamped at each pole and adjustable for rotation and inclination against horizontal and vertical scales, the brass mounting of the southern pole incorporating a gas valve with tap and lock arranged so as to rorate the axis against a scale, the interior brass axis of the globe with an enamelled terrestrial globe, diameter ¾ inches (19mm.), unsigned. The whole sphere mounted on a cast iron stand, the black ground with gilt foliate decoration, the three legs cast with similar decoration in relief, brass makers label punched no 28.
A very fine and unusual celestial globe apparently issued in Stockholm for academic and institutional use. The gas valve at the south pole suggests that coloured gases could be introduced into the sphere to create a greater effect. Of the 50 original examples made, only 20 are said to have survived, and very few are in as good as condition as the present example.