Solar and lunar eclipses, and the succession of seasons, are among the astronomical principles demonstrated on the Trippensee Planetarium. This geared scientific instrument is comprised of a three-inch terrestrial globe by Rand McNally & Co. turning at the end of a maple wooden arm (with small inset round compass), spherical painted wood representations of the moon and the planet Venus, and a brass sphere representing the sun. This device serves its original educational purpose by providing a working model for students to visualize the earth in the solar system, and is also decorative and entertaining.

Early Patent, George M. Hendry label, old patina. In good original condition. Generally works well noting a few occasional skips in chain movement, as usual. Maple arm a bit darkened with age, varnish finish somewhat irregular. Sun ball repolished, and having two small dents. Globe generally good noting a bit of darkening towards North Pole. Considerable wear to paint on moon ball. Some wear to paint on Venus ball. Brass base repolished.

Shield-form Cartouche on Globe: TRIPPENSEE/ Planetarium/ Company/ Detroit,/ Mich. Additional Legend on Globe: Rand, McNally & Co's/ New 3 Inch/ Terrestrial Globe/ Copyright 1891, by/ Rand McNally & Co.

Rectangular Label on Arm: THE TRIPPENSEE PLANETARIUM/ PAT CANADA JULY 21, '08, PAT. U.S. MARCH 10, '08/ THE GEO. M. HENDRY CO., Ltd./ TORONTO, ONT.

Reference:

Hovey, Edward. Elements of Mathematical Geography - A Hand Book for School and Home Use in Connection with the Trippensee Planetarium. Detroit: 1911.