Search the collections Similar items over time Orrery, Tellurium
& Lunarium - Benjamin Martin, London, circa 1770 Reg. No: ST
023770 - Orrey made Benjamin Martin in London, England circa
1770. An orrery is a mechanical model of the solar system.
Generally they were intended to be schematic representations for
educational purposes rather than strictly accurate ones. This
orrery contains a mechanism that can produce elliptical orbits.
Orreries by Benjamin Martin like this one differ from earlier
orreries by having the planets on extended arms, rather than
fixed on rotating plates. Martin was one of the most important
instrument makers of his time and was particularly known for his
microscopes. - Brass circular mechanism 17cm diameter supported
on base with 3 folding legs. Plate also has concentric circles
near edge showing date & signs of zodiac. Centrally above
mechanism is brass ball representing sun. Tellurium or lunarium
can be fitted onto axis below sun. At later date a brass circle
was added to globe to s