An impressive table piece and quite an eyecatcher for any interior. The armillary sphere is 35 cm tall. In good condition, see included pictures. Made of cast bronze (a combination of bronze and copper) on a wooden base. Will be sent by registered mail. Can also be picked up. Armillary sphere An armillary sphere is a celestial sphere consisting of a metal framework of rings that represent lines of celestial longitude and latitude and other astronomically important features. It was invented by Eratosthenes in 255 BC. The name of the instrument is from the Latin word Armilla, meaning bracelet. The earth was placed at the centre but it was later replaced by the sun. The fixed circles represent the horizon, the meridian, and the celestial equator. The armillary sphere is designed as a device to determine celestial positions. Scientists in the Renaissance liked to be painted with an armillary sphere as it represented wisdom and knowledge. In the Christian iconography the sphere is an attribute of astronomy, one of the seven liberal arts and a symbol for the universe. The instrument is displayed on the Portuguese flag.