Orrery

This 19th century orrery - a mechanical demonstration model of the Solar System – illustrates the position of planets and the movement of moons as they orbit the Sun. This model shows planets as far out as Neptune. It works by turning the handle, which drives the gears and sets the planets in motion at their correct speeds. It is signed by Philip Son and Nephew and was used to teach Astronomy at the Liverpool Institute for Girls around 1870.