antik.it/Antique-astronomical-instruments/711-Mechanical-Planetarium/
Code 711
EUR 5500.00
In stock
1749910241Code 711 Mechanical PlanetariumMechanical planetarium, or representative model of the solar system, from the second half of the 19th century.
On the cartouche of the globe we read: GlobusVydal J. Felkl a Syn Roztok u Prahy
Dark bronze patinated cast iron structure, brass gears and papier maché terrestrial sphere.
This is an ancient astronomical instrument made up of clockwork gears, which allow you to observe from the outside, by turning a crank placed under the gear of the Sun, the motion that the Moon and the Earth make within the Solar system.
Good working condition. Measurements 58x19x50 cm – 22.8x7.5x19.6
With the establishment of the heliocentric system theorized by Copernicus, it was possible, despite the difficulties, to construct simplified mechanical models of the entire known Universe, with the Earth moving on itself, while the Moon revolved around the Earth and with it around the Sun.
In relation to the doctrine that the Universe moves like a gigantic clock mechanism, the mechanical planetarium is able to represent this theory.
The complex system of gears of a mechanical planetarium ensures that the planets revolve around the Sun according to their exact relative motion.
Planetariums of this type were used for educational purposes by private tutors in the service of noble families throughout Europe, who entrusted them with the education of their heirs.
Jan Felkl (1817-1878) was born in Bohemia and already in 1840 made illustrated prospectuses for globes in 6 different sizes. Over the next twenty years, it grew to become the largest globe manufacturer on the Austro-Hungarian market, producing terrestrial and celestial globes, in 17 different languages, as well as lunar, planetary and tellurian globes.
Felkl presented his globes at the 1867 World Exhibition in Paris and in 1873 in Vienna.
The first globes were produced by engraving and hand-coloring the segments.
Felkl founded his own Geographical and Lithographic Institute in Prague to produce globes and maps.
In 1870 Felkl moved the factory from Prague to Roztok and took his youngest son as a partner in his company renamed Felkl & Son, producing globes for export, throughout Europe and also to the United States. The business grew to employ more than 40 people, also opening a branch in Vienna. The main customers were: schools, public institutions and libraries.
After the death of Jan Felkl the business was continued by the family until the early 1900s.
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Antique astronomical instruments
Code 711 Mechanical Planetarium
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