Antique Terrestrial Desk Globe

This is an antique terrestrial desk globe, likely dating from the mid-to-late 19th century or early 20th century. The globe features hand-applied paper gores over a plaster and papier-mâché orb. The surface displays a deep, warm amber-brown patina, heavily aged with significant shellac or varnish yellowing. Distinguishable cartographic details include hand-colored outlines and black ink topography, with visible latitude and longitude grid lines. The globe is mounted within a dark metal meridian ring, possibly patinated brass or iron. In terms of condition, the item shows significant honest wear consistent with age, including surface abrasions, minor loss of gores near the poles, and scattered scuffing. There is heavy craquelure across the surface, suggesting a long history in a controlled or varying environment. No visible maker's mark is immediately apparent from this angle, but the typography suggests a European or American origin. The craftsmanship is evident in the alignment of the gores and the overall structural integrity of the orb despite its age.

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