Collection

Ornamental turning 'rose-engine' lathe, oak wood base, superstructure, automation mechanism fixed to underside of base, and flywheel fixed to top of superstructure

Made:: 1740 in Germany

maker:: Unknown

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Ornamental watchmaker's turning 'rose-engine' lathe, unsigned, German, 1750-1888. Hand & Machine Tools. From a black
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Ornamental turning 'rose-engine' lathe, unsigned, German, 1750-1888. From a colour transparency in the Science Museum
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Ornamental turning 'rose-engine' lathe, unsigned, German, 1750-1888. Watchmaker's lathe. Hand and Machine Tools.
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Fixed superstructure for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine' lathe, unsigned, German, 1750-1888. Watchmaker's lathe.
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Automation mechanism for the ornamental turning 'rose-engine' lathe, unsigned, German, 1750-1888. Watchmaker's lathe.
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Rose Engine Lathe, c1750. From a black & white print in a museum Technical File.
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Ornamental turning 'rose-engine' lathe, unsigned, German, 1750-1888.
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
Science Museum, London

Ornamental turning 'rose-engine' lathe, oak wood base, superstructure, automation mechanism fixed to underside of base, and flywheel fixed to top of superstructure, with both the lathe and superstructure fixed to oak wood base, unsigned, Germany, c. 1740

This lathe 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

Materials:: box (wood), brass (copper, zinc alloy) and steel (metal)

Measurements:: Height estimate: 248.25 cm

credit:: Pratt, S.

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