The highest estimated lot in the Important Instruments of Science & Technology sale is this rare English combined design c.1765-70 which illustrates the movement of the earth and planets orbiting the sun.
Martin (1704-82) was considered one of the finest instrument makers of the 18th century and this example, signed A New Planetarium by B.Martin London and standing 18in (46cm) tall, carries an £80,000-120,000 estimate.
The hand-cranked gears operate the instrument which has a brass sphere representing the sun and ivory models representing Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, the only known planets at the time.
Jon Baddeley, Bonhams science and technology specialist, said: “This extraordinary example of Martin’s work was truly multi-functional and ahead of its time. Made in the age of Enlightenment, these unusual and rare instruments were often used by the erudite upper classes who were always looking for ways to expand their knowledge of the world around them and share this scientific information at social gatherings.”
Other auction highlights include:
Lot 5, a 1933 German three-rotor Model 1 Enigma cipher machine that was used throughout the Second World War. Measuring 13 x 11in (33 x 28cm), this example is one of 540 Enigmas supplied to the German army and is estimated at £100,000-150,000.
Lot 20, a mid-18th century German GF Brander (1713-83) microscope compendium with accessories in a fruitwood case measuring 16in (40.5cm) wide, estimated at £20,000-30,000.
Lot 66, a pair of rare Italian Vincenzo Coronelli (1650-1718) terrestrial and celestial 18½in (47cm) globes on stands, 1696, estimated at £100,000-150,000.
Lot 74, an English c.1725 Richard Glynne (1681-1755) signed gilt and silvered brass sundial in its original oak and mahogany fitted case which is estimated at £25,000-35,000.
