Two mini globes, the world at your fingertips... - 1950-1960, 1990-2000

The subject of the auction is a set of two small decorative desk globes, representing two different styles of cartographic design. The first, made in a historical style, comes from Spain and is signed with the name Lluís Duran i Huix. The second, in an elegant black-and-gold color scheme, presents a contemporary political map of the world. Both are interesting examples of decorative, practical cartography intended for offices, libraries, and private collections.

The first globe, with a height of 15 cm and a sphere diameter of about 7.5 cm, stands out for its wooden construction with a distinctive wide, arched, curved arm and a decorative base. The wood retains a warm, dark brown color with visible grain and natural patina. On the base is mounted an oval plaque bearing the inscription “Recuerdo de Mallorca,” indicating its commemorative character and connection to Mallorca.

The most interesting element of the globe is the detailed, multicolored map inspired by European cartography of the 16th and 17th centuries. The surface displays old geographical names, historical markings of oceans and continents, rhumb lines, sailing ships, fantastic sea creatures, and decorative representations referencing the era of great geographic discoveries. Of particular interest is the cartouche with the inscription “Sant Hilari d. Sacalm – Ex Officina Cartographica – Lluis Duran Huix,” identifying its Spanish cartographic origin.

Lluís Duran i Huix was connected with the Catalan town of Sant Hilari Sacalm in the province of Girona. His name appears on other collector’s globes kept in a similar antiquated style. Exemplars of this kind are most often attributed to the mid-20th century, particularly the 1950s–60s, although the exact date of the globe presented here has not been confirmed. This is a reproduction of old cartography, not an original globe from the era of great geographical discoveries.

The second globe, larger, with a height of 16.5 cm and a sphere diameter of about 8 cm, has a stable, round base and a metal construction finished in matte gold. The semi-circular meridian is equipped with a degree scale, and the axis of the globe ends in decorative spherical elements. The black surface of the oceans contrasts with the continents rendered in copper, gold, and beige tones. The map contains country, city, ocean, parallel and meridian markings, as well as decorative compass roses. The whole piece is in a classic desk-office style, inspired by traditional geographical globes.

The second exemplar represents a later decorative design, most likely from the late 20th or early 21st century. The manufacturer and exact country of production have not been determined.

The condition of both items is consistent with their age and use. The wooden globe shows natural wear, minor scratches, and localized signs of finish wear on the wood. The decorative plaque and detailed cartographic ornamentation are preserved. The black globe shows signs of surface use, including localized scratches, scuffs, and a noticeable loss of the map’s decorative layer, as shown in the photos. The metal construction retains its basic form and gold finish. The items are being offered in the condition shown in the photographs.

Dimensions: wooden globe – height about 15 cm, sphere diameter about 7.5 cm; metal-based globe – height about 16.5 cm, sphere diameter about 8 cm.

The set represents an attractive option for collectors of old maps, globes, desk items, and vintage decor. A particular value lies in the contrast between the colorful, antiquated cartography of the Spanish globe and the elegant black-and-gold form of the second piece.

I do not ship to the USA, or to countries subject to customs duties (ships from Poland - I do not ship to: Great Britain, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Serbia, Ukraine, Liechtenstein) or to Middle Eastern countries affected by conflict.