What is a wooden globe?

A wooden globe is a decorative or educational model of the Earth mounted on a wooden base or stand. These pieces date from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They combine cartography with period woodwork, often featuring paper map gores applied over a spherical core supported by brass hardware.

How do I date a globe?

Dating a globe involves examining the political boundaries, place names, and publisher details printed on the map surface. Changes in national borders and colonial territories help narrow down the decade of production. The style of the wooden stand, whether Victorian, Edwardian, or Art Deco, also provides chronological clues.

Who made these globes?

Period globes were produced by specialised cartographic publishing houses and mapmakers. Notable firms recorded in this field include George Philips and Son, J. Forest, and Bacons. These makers supplied schools, libraries, and middle-class homes with accurate geographical representations of the world.

How do I care for my globe?

Protecting a globe requires keeping it away from direct sunlight to prevent the paper gores and printed inks from fading. Maintain a stable room temperature to avoid warping the wooden components or cracking the paper. Dust the surface gently with a dry, soft cloth and avoid liquid cleaners.