Earliest pictured model. Polished spun-brass sun. Early-style lithographed calendar dial. Features a 3" Rand McNally globe, with paste-down Trippensee cartouche overlaid. 5/8-inch diameter compass. Maple planetary arm (17"), standard, and base under spun-brass plate. 5-inch diameter spun brass sun, 14" tall.

Earth is spun by engaging a rubber cone on inner ring of serrated metal bowl (friction-drive mechanism indicative of early model). One of Trippensee's first chain-driven devices.

Nickel-plated cast-brass Data plate reads 'Trippensee Planetarium, Patent Allowed Aug 16, 1907, The Trippensee Manufacturing Company, Mich., U.S.A.'

Pre-1923 (Trippensee relocated from Detroit), features a 3" Rand McNally Globe with Trippensee cartouche (printed, not added later). Earth is spun by engaging the improved-upon, gear-driven, bevel and crown gears.

Data-plate reads 'The Trippensee Planetarium, Pat. U.S. Mar. 10, '08. The Trippensee MFG. Co., Detroit. Mich., U.S.A.'

Featured in The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

Showcasing a lovely Verdis Sun. Circa 1910's (pre-1923: made in Detroit). Incredibly functionality; mechanically perfect. This particular device was not manudactured for a data-plate. Featuring unretouched planets with original patinas. Metal operating rod with Maple planet arm, standard, and base under spun-brass.

Our latest addition- Pending Restoration.

Current State: Detroit-era (pre-1923) Trippensee. Missing data-plate and ladder-chains. Significant stains on planet arm. Original planets. Mechanically sound; non-functional. Previously polished brass base, moderate staining on calendar dial. Earth globe dented.