Description
A tellurian is a demonstration model of the movement of the earth and moon relative to each other and to the sun, and of various astronomical phenomena associated therewith. The Andrews’ Lunar Tellurian was a popular example at the turn of the century, widely sold by school supply houses for school-room astronomy study. A Teachers’ Manual For Andrews’ Lunar Tellurian, first issued in 1881, and subsequently frequently reissued, details the various educational lessons that it demonstrates. The globe could also be studied separately for geography lessons. On the offered tellurian, the globe was manufactured by Weber Costello Co., Chicago Heights, Illinois. It shows St. Petersburg, dating it before 1914. Weber Costello was formed the 1890s, dating the tellurian to between then and 1914. The globe has isothermal lines indicated in blue and red, and ocean currents shown by white lines.
Although on this particular tellurian, the globe was made by Weber Costello Co., the device itself was by A.H. Andrews & Co., stamped with their name on the arm. In about the 1890s, when Weber Costello was formed, it became the successor to the school supply department of Andrews. Apparently, at about this time it began to sell the Andrews Tellurian with a Weber Costello globe. In contrast, other extant, presumably earlier, examples of the Andrews’ Lunar Tellurian have a an 8-inch globe with an Andrews cartouche as maker, as issued. For more information about A.H. Andrews and Weber Costello, see our Guide to Globe Makers.
Demilune Overlabel Cartouche on Globe: 8 INCH/ GLOBE/ Weber Costello Co./ Chicago Heights/ Ill
Raised Name on Arm: ANDREWS
Condition: Terrestrial globe very good with the usual overall light toning, wear, handling, fading. Few minor abrasions professionally restored. Tellurian metal parts good with some oxidation (rust). Moon probably a later replacement. Horizon band paper added later in facsimile. Mechanics of tellurian fair to good –as is typical at best for this model of tellurian — the rotation of the earth, and revolution of the earth and moon being a bit irregular or sporadic.
References:
Hovey, Edward. Elements of Mathematical Geography – A Hand Book for School and Home Use in Connection with the Trippensee Planetarium. Detroit: 1911.
Gross, Howard H, Teachers’ Manual For Andrews’ Lunar Tellurian. Chicago: A.H. Andrews & Co., 1881 and subsequent editions.
“US 255419A.” Google Patents. https://patents.google.com/patent/US255491A/en (9 May 2018).
