THOMAS SOPWITH, AFTER 1841

Details

A FINE SET OF SOPWITH'S GEOLOGICAL MODELS
THOMAS SOPWITH, AFTER 1841
Six 4-inch square models, comprised of different woods to represent different rock strata, in original case resembling a folio (restored) -- with a signed presentation copy of Sopwith's Description of a series of geological models. Newcastle, [1841]. (176 x 107mm) (worn).
13½ x 9½in. (34.5 x 24cm.) (2)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

Made by Thomas Sopwith (1803-1879), these geological models of coal seams and their related strata were sold by the mineralogist to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, James Tennant (1808-1881). Their contemporary Charles Lyell held them in such high regard as teaching models for students of geology that he illustrated them in his 1841 Elements of Geology. Comprised of 579 seperate pieces of wood, these intricate wooden models fully justified their retail price of for £2 10 0 for a set of six and £5 for twelve. The current set of twelve come with two additional, smaller models, very rarely seen.

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