Description
George shows how a Trippensee tellurian illustrates astronomical principles in the three one-minute videos below, originally produced as Instagram reels.
The Trippensee Planetarium is a demonstration model of the movement of the earth, moon and Venus relative to each other and to the sun. It shows such phenomena as the succession of seasons, and solar and lunar eclipses. In addition to its educational objective, the tellurian is also decorative and entertaining. The original models, patented in 1908, have maple arms and central standards. Those produced around the second quarter of the 20th century have ebonized arms and central standards. Models made after World War II are of Bakelite or plastic.
This particular tellurian was probably made by the Trippensee Planetarium Company for Oland Sales Co. It differs from other Trippensee models in having an aluminum arm and bears the Oland label on the arm rather than the Trippensee label. An instruction manual was issued by Oland, apparently identical to a manual issued for Trippensee at the time, but with different cover title: Hand Book Instructions and Suggestions Accompanying The Oland Planetarium. Other extant examples of the Oland Planetarium are known, though they are scarce. No other information has been located to date about the company.
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.
Maker’s label on arm: THE OLAND SALES CO./ SERIAL NO. / 1199 A/ OLNEY, ILLINOIS
Condition: In superior condition, operates well gears and mechanical parts having recently been professionally restored, cleaned, oiled. Earth very good, colors bright, with light toning and wear. Sun fine, with no dents, in high polish. Other parts generally very good to fine.
Reference:
Hovey, Edward. Elements of Mathematical Geography - A Hand Book for School and Home Use in Connection with the Trippensee Planetarium. Detroit: 1911.
