Parks & Hadley's Orrery with many additions

Catalogue number #653858543

Parks & Hadley's Orrery	Parks & Hadley's Orrery - globe	Parks & Hadley's Orrery	Parks & Hadley's Orrery

Description:

Parkes & Hadley's Orrery (actually it is a tellurian) made apparently entirely of copper and brass. The globe is signed "Philips 3" TERRESTRIAL GLOBE George Philip & Son Ltd. London Geographical Inst. Printed in Great Britain." It has a brass plate inserted vertically on one side with four arms facing outwards each of which has a further extended arm pinned and adjustable up or down in the same plane. Can anyone tell me the purpose of these? Additionally there is a wire track which can be fitted to the bottom mounting of the globe through which the moon travels as it circles the Earth. A further wire frame can be fitted from which is suspended a round black steel disc with a large hole in the middle - again I would welcome an explanation. There is a further black steel plate with a semi circular cutout, flat on one side but with two vertical square section steel guides on the other - I have no idea of where this fits or its purpose. Another square piece of blackened steel sits on two round brass or copper feet (matching the orrery) with a small round frosted glass centre - more mystery, plus another rod, plus another piece of V shaped wire which 'can' fit in holes under the globe but what then? I've had Parks & Hadley's Orreries before (one sold on this site - search sold items for pictures) all were stamped made by Salter with the bases made in cast iron. The example offered here is not stamped with any name. It is a much finer casting being in brass and massively more complex. I have never seen another example so I've no idea if it is complete or indeed if there are even more missing parts. All I can honestly say is that as is it is much more sexy, interesting and fun than the 'normal' Salter versions which date from the turn of the century. My gut feeling is that this is earlier - though not by many years. The Salter version was mass produced and is cheap and shoddy by comparison so that makes sense. The globe is in good condition but dirty - I haven't tried cleaning it. The glass chimney for the oil lamp was missing. I have provided a replacement but it is one eighth of an inch too small at the base to fit correctly. It will however work as is, but sits rather than fits on the burner. Otherwise with the caviats above the orrery and bits are in super condition. Without the wire attachments: height 9" (23 cm) overall length 13½" (34 cm) Delivery at cost.

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