A diminutive pocket globe that was designed by Johannes Deur circa 1720 is to auction at Christie's, London on April 24.

Having been given a £15,000-25,000 ($24,000-40,000) presale estimate, the tiny globe, which is one of only a handful known to exist, is set to rival the €27,402 ($37,000) current world record price for a pocket globe at auction, which was achieved in October 2004.

The globe measures a mere seven cm in diameter

Little is known of the globe's maker, Johannes Deur. However the level of craftsmanship and quality of engraving exhibited suggests that he was among the master cartographical engravers of 18th century Europe.

There are only three other recorded examples of Deur pocket globes, two of which reside in museums. The third is in the hands of a private collector whose location is presently unknown.     

The globe comprises 12 hand-coloured, engraved gores that are heightened with gilt. A particularly beautiful celestial gore depicts the constellations as mythical figures and beasts. It measures a mere seven cm in diameter.

James Hyslop, a specialist at Christie's, commented: "This is one of the best quality pocket globes I have ever seen come to market; the detail and quality of the engraving and hand colouring is exquisite.

"It is a joy to behold and I think I was practically shaking with excitement when it came into Christie's valuation counter.

"We are anticipating a world record price for this pocket globe."

Here at Paul Fraser Collectibles we also have a host of unique collectibles in stock.

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