Two brass scale reproduction Chinese astronomical instruments,
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more
Two brass scale reproduction Chinese astronomical instruments,

Details
Two brass scale reproduction Chinese astronomical instruments,
each with a plaque on the base for BEIJING ORION COMPANY OF THE ASTRONOMICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, after the originals in the Peking observatory by Ferdinand Verbiest, circa 1673, each on a red plush and fabric-covered wooden base -- 30cm. (11 7/8in.) wide

See Colour Illustration

The first instrument is a sextant, ungraduated, with decorative scroll-shaped fretwork and a moving alidade. It is supported on the reverse by a toothed semi-circle, moved vertically via rack and pinion and a wheel handle. It is raised on a cast plinth base in the form of a mountain entwined by a Chinese dragon.
The second instrument is a form of armillary sphere, ungraduated, with a rotating meridian within equinoctial, and one and a half meridian bands. This is raised on a semi-circular support on the back of a Chinese Dragon, standing on a cruciform base. Each foot rests on a seated lion. (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 This lot is subject to Collection and Storage charges

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