Superstructure for Ornamental Turning 'Rose-Engine' Lathe

PART OF:
Ornamental turning 'rose-engine' lathe, Germany, c. 1740
Made:
1750-1888 in Germany
Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine' Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine' Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine' Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine' Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine' Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine' Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine' Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine' Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine' Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine' Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine'

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Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine'
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine'
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine'
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine'
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine'
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine'
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine'
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine'
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine'
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine'
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine'
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Overhead gear assembly, for ornamental turning 'rose-engine' lathe, unsigned, Germany, c. 1740

The lathe for which this remarkable edifice supported the flywheel automatically produced a complex geometrical pattern, cut into a small round piece of wood. In so doing it replicated the work of a human turner, who could decorate things such as watchcases or medallions.

The lathe’s astonishing design reflects that it was made for someone wealthy – it is traditionally associated with King Frederick the Great of Prussia, who was also a turner. Possessing this wondrous machine, performing its lifelike task, would have emphasised Frederick’s position as a great statesman.

Details

Category:
Hand and Machine Tools
Object Number:
1888-393/3
Materials:
wrought iron, brass and steel
Measurements:
overall: 1310 mm x 1200 mm x 520 mm,
type:
superstructure
credit:
Pratt, S.