Lot 74
  • 74

An ormolu and amboyna orrery clock attributed to Raingo, Paris, circa 1830

Estimate
80,000 - 120,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Ivory, Amboyna, mahogany, bronze, brass, steel, glass
  • 81cm. 32in. high overall
3¾-inch gilt engine-turned dial with milled bezel, double ended hand for concentric day and planetary symbol, bell striking movement with anchor escapement and front-mounted gridiron pendulum, the going train with indirect drive from the clock movement to the Orerry, or manually by means of a crank key with ivory handle, the sun at the center flanked by two horizontal silvered dials for the four year cycle and the lunar date, the earth and the moon mounted above the lunar dial, the terrestrial globe surmounted by a 2x12 hours ring, the Orrery train with separately wound spring barrel for assisting the drive, the whole revolving against a silvered annual ring calibrated with the Gregorian calendar on the inner ring and the Revolutionary calendar from 1-30 for each month on the outer ring,  the circular temple case with ormolu signs of the zodiac correctly positioned around the annual calendar, the upper section supported by four pillars rising from the circular base; together with a mahogany stand and a damaged glass dome

Condition

Dial in good condition. Movement is complete but in need of a clean, some adjustment required to hand setting of orrery. Case has good original gilding to the mounts, minor shrinkage cracks to the carcase. Base has old minor losses and repairs to veneers, glass dome is damaged and repaired. With pendulum but no winder.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Catalogue Note

Zacharie Raingo (1775-1847) is chiefly remembered for a series of fine Orrery clocks. It seems that he first made a clock of this type in 1810, possibly in collaboration with Antide Janvier. He applied for a patent for his system for displaying the movement of globes in 1815 and published it in 1823, under the title 'Description d'une Pendule à Sphere Mouvante'.

Clockwork models of the solar system are known as 'Orrerys' after Charles Boyle, Fourth Earl of Orrery (1676- 1731) for whom one was made. 

A Raingo Orrery clock is in the British Royal Collection and was purchased by King George IV in 1824. See Jagger, Royal Clocks, pp. 168-170.