Ornamental turning 'rose-engine' lathe

Automaton lathe, c.1740. It is richly decorated, with detailed metal ornamentation built around a wrought iron frame.

The machine was acquired by the Science Museum as having been owned by Frederick the Great, King of Prussia. This is uncertain, but it was certainly commissioned by someone tremendously affluent, with access to some of the best craftsmen working.

The entire machine is almost three metres tall, and would not have looked out of place in a palace.