As a refined scientific instrument, this tellurium allowed to introduce eager student to the basics of our Universe by reproducing the motions of the solar system. Such devices had become popular during the 17th century, following the publishing of Sir Isaac Newton’s universal theory of gravity in 1687. In 1905, three brothers by the name of Trippensee purchased Laing and re-named it the Trippensee Manufacturing Co., located in Detroit, Michigan. Their first orrery products were marketed as Laing Planetariums, however an improved model was soon introduced bearing their own name. It substituted the previous cord driven gears with a more reliable bicycle-style chain and gear drive. Not much had changed in the last 100 years in the basic mechanics, as this 1940s model is still gear driven but offers a bakelite instead of brass and wood frame. Then celabrated as the newest advancement in technology, this sun illuminates! A brilliant piece, attractive as a visual display and intriguing as a scientific instrument, allowing to demonstrate the relationship of our earth and sun..........with elegant style. Description: The 4 inch terrestrial paste board earth sphere displays a very simplified map. Moon and Venus are made of wood, the hollow 5 inch diameter Sun is made of a thick plastic, base and arm of bakelite with a reddish brown finish. The base also encloses a heavy metal disc for weight balance. The arm is about 12 inches long, total length including both orbs is about 16 inches. Total height is 12 inches. Compass enclosed in the arm is not functional. Condition: The instrument is completely functional, including the lighting and surprisingly well preserved, considering it has survived its educational demonstration in a school...Some minor soiling and scuffing throughout, pitting to the metal parts. Because the map of the sphere being very simplified, we base the age of the artifact mostly of the material used and the way it has been constructed: The gears are exposed, not covered by a black piece of plastic, which was added in the 1960s. Venus, moon and the scalloped, black part of the base are still all made of wood, which was replaced by plastic in the 1960s. The orb representing earth still consists of paste board, covered by individual, hand applied paper gores representing the map. This time consuming process was expensive and by the 1960s small, lithographed tin globes replaced the pasteboard globes. All parts, including gears and chain display age appropriate wear. A fine, vintage scientific instrument, displaying quite attractive but also functional for educational purpose. If you are looking for a conversation starter, this would be the artifact for you. Well packed, this fine artifact will ship for $35.00 domestic, $99.00 world wide. This is a very heavy object! $498    Item #: 914TRIPPELEC40