American, built in 2000 and completed on March 25 of that year, designed by Erik Van Cort and built in his workshop in South Deerfield, Ma, using glass celestial spheres custom designed and handmade by Josh Simpson, standing 51" high, with the universe table 52" long, constructed of solid brass, sterling silver, glass and polished petrified wood 150 million years old , 24 –karat gold plated components, engraved chapter ring showing zodiacal signs and multiple celestial information. Nine tapered, operational shafts radiate from the central 6 inch gear box, tapered planet arms from 4 ½” to 30" long, holding nine Josh Simpson glass spheres with porcelain and silver moons with a six" glass Sun. The names of the moons of the solar system are engraved around the perimeter, and the presentation engraving is on the gear box. Weighing 200 pounds; a massive gear-driven Table Orrery of Celestial Proportions.

This Orrey was first shown at the John M. Greene Hall, Smith College for the concert presentation of “The Planets”, Gustav Holst’s masterpiece, performed by the Pioneer Valley Symphony. Erik Van Cort designed this intricately geared floor-standing Orrery, constructed with a universe plate made from 150 million-year-old petrified substrate measuring in excess of four feet. Solid brass and sterling silver  construction fittings, plating in 24K gold, accents a complex, mechanical geared model of our solar system, which operates the arms that travel around the stationary glass sun. This center piece is Josh Simpson’s glass sun and planets with silver and porcelain moons. Ancient and contemporary glassblowing techniques combined to form the substance of the planets. Simpson’s quest for a brilliant sun, and one of such large dimensions, tested the limits of the glass and his skill.

The Orrery spent a number of years on display at the Springfield Science Museum where it was viewed by thousands of visitors. This is the first time it has been offered for sale.

WE WILL DELIVER AND ASSEMBLE FOR YOU

*CALL 413-537-0100 TODAY TO PURCHASE*