Important Watches, Collector's Wristw...

Noga Hilton, Geneva, Jun 14, 2003

LOT 79

Sphère Mouvante Heliocentrique d'Après le Système de Copernic Martinengo, Paris, circa 1810. Fine and interesting white marble and gilt bronze hour- and half-hour striking, eight day-going Copernican system orrery mantel clock with date and visible escapement.

CHF 40,000 - 50,000

EUR 27,000 - 33,000 / USD 31,000 - 39,000

Sold: CHF 46,000

C. White rectangular marble pedestal on molded marble base, gilt bronze rectangular movement housing with acanthus frame, hinged side panels. D. White enamel ring with Roman numerals and outer minute divisions, inner 31-day date ring, glazed center to view the escapement. Blued steel Breguet hands. M. Shaped, brass, going barrels for striking, orrery and going train, pin-wheel escapement, silk suspension, half-second pendulum with brass bob, striking on a bell with count wheel on the back plateOrrery: Gilt brass with the Sun in the center and the Earth with its Moon rotating around it, the Earth fitted with a white enamel 24-hour dial.Signed on the marble base.Dim. Height 60 cm., base width 25 cm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3 - 14
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 14 - 01

Notes

The inscription on the base "Sphère d'Après le Système de Copernic adopté par le Conseil Rl. de l'instruction Pque?" refers to recognition of the Copernican system by the General Council of the Revolutionary Government. The system had been banned by the Church for two centuries -the ban was not to be officially lifted until 1830 - and this was thus a demonstration of the triumph of rationality and scientific thinking promoted by the Revolution.