Up for auction is a pair of armillary sphere bookends. These are decorative items inspired by historical astronomical instruments called armillary spheres, which were used to model the celestial globe and demonstrate how stars and planets move around Earth (before the heliocentric model was widely accepted).

They are made from wood, brass or brass-tone metal, and painted elements.The bands include illustrations and labels of zodiac signs, which is a common decorative motif for these types .These are primarily decorative bookends, not scientific instruments, though inspired by classical astronomical models. These will enhance any shelf or library. Made in Italy insure attention to every detail and quality,