A WHEATSTONE WAVE MACHINE PROBABLY MADE BY JOHN NEWMAN, CIRCA 1850Important information about this lot
Price Realised GBP 17,500
Estimate
GBP 20,000 - GBP 30,000
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
Closed: 29 Oct 2015
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A WHEATSTONE WAVE MACHINE PROBABLY MADE BY JOHN NEWMAN, CIRCA 1850
This lot is offered by Christie Manson & Woods Ltd
Christie Manson & Woods Ltd
8 King Street, St. James's, London, SW1Y 6QT, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 2869
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Lot Essay
Wave machines such as this were built by the instrument maker John Newman, but designed by the English scientist Sir Charles Wheatstone (1802–1875) -- an example dating to 1842 is held at the Science Museum in London. Also known for the development of telegraphy, invention of the stereoscope (an early 3-D viewer) and the Playfair cipher (a cryptographic system that was used through to the first World War), Wheatstone was a pioneer of early wave theory and worked on both sound and optical waves.
The wave machine demonstrates the harmonic addition of two waves. The accompanying wooden rods are cut to form a regular wave; one set is added vertically and moves the pins on one side along its shape, the other horizontally moves the pins on the other side of the casing. The two waves are combined to form helical pattern that moves along the pins on the top of the instrument. Such a piece of demonstrational apparatus would have been invaluable to the early students of the wave theory of light for understanding phenomena such as polarisation.
Today these instruments are incredibly rare. It has been estimated that as few as thirty may have been produced, and they are now mostly all in institutional collections. The fragile mechanism of this example is still in working order and produces a spectacular wave effect when used.
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Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
The mechanism working very well. The whole in very good condition with some wear consistent with age and use, some white beads missing a few discoloured or possibly replaced, one pin snapped another bent. The exterior of the case worn, but solid and sound.
The condition of lots sold can vary widely due to factors such as age, previous damage, restoration, repair, and wear and tear. The nature of the lots sold means that they will rarely be in perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
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Lot 6Sale 11675
A WHEATSTONE WAVE MACHINE PROBABLY MADE BY JOHN NEWMAN, CIRCA 1850Estimate: GBP 20,000 - 30,000
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