Ca. 1880 Jan Felkl Hand-Cranked Mechanical Lunarium / Tellurium
$3,750.00
Ships Worldwide.
Beautiful antique tellurium, a physical demonstration device for the study of the moon’s rotation with respect to the earth and the earth’s rotation with respect to the sun. This example was made by Jan Felkl of Prague, one of the most famous mapmakers in Europe and a well known craftsman of Telluriums, Lunariums and Orrerys.
Signed on the globe by the maker, it dates to the 1880’s.
Lithography is excellent, with no significant fading, no touch-ups, no issues. Paper is complete, with no torn or missing sections, no bubbling. Still legible and brightly colored everywhere.
The tellurium measures approximately 65cm from crank to globe, with a cast metal base that’s approximately 23cm in diameter. The diameter of the globe is approximately 9cm.
When the crank is rotated, the moon begins its 360 degree revolution around the earth, as the earth revolves full circle both on its axis and also with respect to the sun, which is represented by the candle and reflecting brass disc.
Intricate gearing, all of it original, all it well made.
A fascinating apparatus.
SOLD
