Solar models were teaching tools

#MiddleburyCT #SolarModel #Orrery #CrownRoyal

Solar eclipses have fascinated observers for thousands of years. The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle pointed to the round shadows that appear during eclipses as evidence that the Earth is round. European Renaissance figures like Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton paved the way for more widespread interest in and more advanced devices for learning about the orbits of planets around the sun.

This type of planetarium, called an orrery, models the relative positions and motion of the sun, moon and Earth. With a strategically placed light source, you could use one to demonstrate an eclipse. (Kovels.com photo)

One such device was the orrery, believed to have been invented in the early 1700s. The name comes from the Earl of Orrery, whose commissions helped popularize them. The orrery is a kind of planetarium that models the position and motion of planets relative to the sun. This one was made about 1900 and sold for $630 at Donley Auctions.

The sphere in the center, made of brass, represents the sun. A small globe on a wooden arm represents Earth, with a smaller sphere connected to it by a wire for the moon. Another small sphere closer to the sun stands for Venus or Mercury, one of the planets whose orbit lies between Earth and the sun. The gears and chains that allow the arms to move are visible, and the base is labeled with the seasons and months of the year as well as the names of the 12 zodiac constellations. It makes an effective teaching tool to show how Earth revolves around the sun but remember that it’s not an accurate model of the solar system.

Q: I have an old bottle of Crown Royal with the seal intact bought at Thule Air Base from 1956 to 1958. Before we crack it open at a celebration, I thought I should make sure we weren’t doing something foolish. Do you have any thoughts on valuation?

A: We have seen unopened Crown Royal bottles from the 1950s sell for about $200 at auctions. If the original box and bag are included, the price will be higher. Vintage Crown Royal bottles tend to sell at house sales and estate auctions. They may also sell at sales of whiskey or liquor bottles held by national auction houses.

TIP: When stacking dinner plates, put a piece of felt or paper between each plate. Never put more than 24 in one stack.

Current Prices
Dental, toothbrush, electric, Bugs Bunny, carrot shape, detachable head, figural stand, battery operated, box, Sears, 1973, 9 1/2 inches, $35.
Thermometer, M.A. Finnell, Renaissance Revival style, walnut case, carved leafy crest, mid-1800s, 57 x 13 inches, $250.
Brass, coffee set, coffeepot, lid, folding handle, sugar, lid, six cups, round tray, silver and copper inlay, damascened, tray 14 inches, coffeepot 6 inches, nine pieces, $375.
World’s Fair, vase, amethyst glass, iridescent finish, art nouveau mount, view of Cascade Gardens, St. Louis, 1904, 4 inches, $740.
Silver-Mexican, wine bucket, urn shape, gadrooned rim, lion’s mask ring handles, lobed lower body, round foot, beaded rim, marked, Sanborns, c. 1960, 9 1/2 x 10 inches, $1,405.

For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com.

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