07/13/2026
A matched pair of 1775 French Rigobert Bonne globes
The “before” images reveal the pair in heavily damaged condition. One completely disassembled with a broken meridian ring, detached wooden parts, and missing base; the other showing deep cracks, flaking surface, and a badly damaged red meridian ring.
The “after” photos show the fully conserved pair, now proudly displayed on matching black wooden stands with their rich red meridian rings beautifully restored. The rings and ribs were edged with Le Franc Charbonnel extra fine red bole gilder's clay base mixed with hot rabbit skin glue and then varnished over, which is historically correct.
This remarkable transformation was expertly carried out by Universal Fine Art Conservation, bringing these rare 18th-century French globes (one celestial and one terrestrial) back to their original glory.