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Lot Essay
An orrery is a mechanical device that illustrates the relative positions and motions of the planets and moons in the solar system in heliocentric model. They are typically driven by a large clockwork mechanism with a globe representing the Sun at the centre, and with a planet at the end of each of the arms.
The first modern orrery was built circa 1704 by George Graham. Graham gave the first model (or its design) to the celebrated instrument maker John Rowley of London to make a copy for Prince Eugene of Savoy. Rowley was commissioned in 1713 to make another copy for his patron Charles Boyle, 4th Earl of Orrery, from which the device took its name.
A comparable Orrery Clock was sold at Christie's Melbourne; Anonymous Sale, July 5th - July 6th 2005,. lot 628
The first modern orrery was built circa 1704 by George Graham. Graham gave the first model (or its design) to the celebrated instrument maker John Rowley of London to make a copy for Prince Eugene of Savoy. Rowley was commissioned in 1713 to make another copy for his patron Charles Boyle, 4th Earl of Orrery, from which the device took its name.
A comparable Orrery Clock was sold at Christie's Melbourne; Anonymous Sale, July 5th - July 6th 2005,. lot 628