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Golden Globes
PA MEDIA
The carved wood and paper sphere, pictured with Jim Spencer, dates to the 1550s or 1560s
A "priceless" globe dating back to the 16th Century is expected to fetch tens
of thousands of pounds at auction.
The carved wood and paper sphere which dates to the 1550s or 1560s was
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12/15/21, 2:41 PM 'Priceless' 16th Century globe to be sold at auction - BBC News
The carved wood and paper sphere, which dates to the 1550s or 1560s, was
brought by its owner from north Wales to be valued by Hansons Auctioneers.
The globe was originally owned by Maj Edward Croft-Murray, former keeper of
prints and drawings at the British Museum.
He was one of the so-called "Monuments Men" who worked to save cultural
artefacts during World War Two.
The globe's mapped sides, made from engraved paper, feature sea monsters
while North America is dubbed "Devicta ann 1530".
Hansons' Jim Spencer said the piece was thought to be the work of French
physicist and geographer Francois Demongenet, or built from one of his
designs.
"One specialist I spoke to said 16th Century globes are nigh on impossible to
come across," he said.
"The leading galleries were as keen as mustard and said it's absolutely right for
the period.
"In terms of value, the general consensus is that it's a complete unknown and
should be very exciting to watch.
"Our globe looks like it could be the earliest ever offered at auction."
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12/15/21, 2:41 PM 'Priceless' 16th Century globe to be sold at auction - BBC News
PA MEDIA
The globe was once owned by Maj Edward Croft-Murray, one of the so-called "Monuments Men"
His death was followed by the nine-day reign of Lady Jane Grey, Mary I, then
her sister Elizabeth I.
Mr Spencer said: "The age of our globe firmly places it among the rarest in
existence."
It will go under the hammer at an online auction on Friday. It has a guide price
of £20,000 to £30,000 but Mr Spencer is expecting it go for more.
"People would've been wearing ruffs and codpieces when they first handled
this globe in Elizabethan England.
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12/15/21, 2:41 PM 'Priceless' 16th Century globe to be sold at auction - BBC News
PA MEDIA
"It's amazing to think of all the historical events this delicate little globe has
survived."
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