With the recent solar eclipse, it is a reminder of man’s fascination with the stars and planets and his endeavours to comprehend them. Astrology has been an important and practical part of history for centuries, and a consignment to the Scientific Instrument section of the forthcoming Maritime Auction of 1st July 2015, reminds us of this. This late 18th century orrery by W Jones of London has a delicate system of gears that rotate an ivory earth with moon around a central gilt sun with an indicator pointing to the seasons, month and star signs. (Estimate £3,000-£4,000)
A late 18th century orrery by W Jones of London
Understanding the planets and stars has helped mariners navigate around the globe with sextant and compass for centuries and the
Maritime Auction is in part a celebration of the ‘Golden Age of Sail’. Along with the many navigational and scientific Instruments already consigned to the auction, are a number of other maritime and nautical themed antiques that make the auction a popular event on Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood’s calendar at their
West Country Salerooms.
Further entries are currently invited for the sale. For further information, please contact Brian Goodison-Blanks
bgb@bhandl.co.uk.
