Meccano mechanical orrery, showing the movements of the Sun, Earth and Moon.

Built to Meccano’s Accurate Orrery plans.

24 volt motor, functionality not guaranteed.

Length: 76 cm.

Height: 48 cm.

About This Meccano Orrery

This vintage Meccano mechanical orrery is a remarkable example of early 20th century engineering education. Constructed to Meccano’s own “Accurate Orrery” specifications, the model demonstrates the precise astronomical relationships between the Sun, Earth and Moon.

As a tellurion, this model specifically illustrates the relationship between the Sun, Earth and Moon, making it a more specialised piece than a full planetary orrery. The working mechanism features four distinct movements:

– Earth revolving around the Sun once per year
– Earth rotating on its own axis once per solar day (365.26 days per year)
– Earth’s equator inclined at 23.5 degrees to the ecliptic, with its axis pointing in a constant direction toward the Pole Star
– The Moon revolving around the Earth in 29.5 days

The model is powered by a 24-volt motor, though functionality is not guaranteed given its age. Meccano’s first orrery model, Model 391, was first described in the June 1918 Meccano Manual, making orreries among the most celebrated and sought-after models in the Meccano collector community.

This piece measures 76cm in length and 48cm in height, making it a substantial display item suitable for a study, library or collector’s cabinet. It would appeal to collectors of vintage Meccano sets, astronomy enthusiasts, and anyone with an interest in the history of scientific instruments.

Hatchwell Antiques is based on the Kings Road, Chelsea, London SW10, and is a member of LAPADA, BADA and CINOA.