Catalog Archive
Auction 117, Lot 853

"[Lot of 2 - Early Aeronautic Machines]", Anon.

Subject: Prints Miscellaneous

Period: 1850 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
6 x 8.5 inches
15.2 x 21.6 cm
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Pair of interesting and whimsical copper engravings depicting the early days of aeronautical engineering. The headings of both plates are Balloons. Plate 3 includes three illustrations of early flying machines including Penaud's helicoptere, aeroplane and mechanical bird ! Penaud's amazing flying machine, that the French called a "Helicoptere," consisted of two superimposed screws rotating in opposite directions and powered by the force of twisted rubber bands. Plate 4 shows elaborate machines - Moy's aerial steamer, which was a massive, steam-powered contraption that allegedly got a whole six inches off the ground and Brearey's Aeronautical machine, that has an elegant shape taken from the contours of the skate fish.

References:

Condition: A

Very good with light toning.

Estimate: $140 - $180

Sold for: $140

Closed on 12/6/2006

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