Philips’ 9-inch Terrestial Globe on Bakelite Art Deco Stand, 1930s

A George Philip & Son Ltd. London Geographical Institute globe of 9 inch diameter, with brass finial and support on a stepped bakelite base. The globe is made of twelve colour-printed paper gores, with the equatorial and prime meridian graduated in degrees.

The map shows Siam which became Thailand in 1939. Although Thailand briefly became Siam again in 1945-49, the globe shows Chosen which rules out the later date. Chosen became Korea in 1945.

George Philip (1800–1882) was a Scottish cartographer and map publisher. He set up his own business as a bookseller and stationer in Paradise Street, Liverpool in 1834. He rapidly expanded and when his son George became a partner in 1848, the firm became George Philip & Son Ltd. In 1856, George Philip & Son Ltd opened a house at 32 Fleet Street, London, where they sold their geographical and educational publications. In 1859, Philip set up printing works in Caxton Buildings, Liverpool and introduced power-driven lithographic presses, although assembling the globes was still done by hand well into the 20th century.

The globe is in very good condition with only a couple of areas of loss. The writing is still clear and easy to read. The globe swivels smoothly on its base.