Bryant’s Celestial Indicator, Signed on Outer Label: “The Celestial Indicator By HENRY BRYANT HARTFORD, CONN. Explanations and Directions … Patented Sept. 10, 1872.” The spherical frame is comprised of a series of calibrated brass armillary bands enclosing a mechanical model of the solar system, the various known planets represented by wooden spheres on metal wire armatures, and at the center a brass sphere represents the sun, turning by a knob on the outer part of the sphere. A printed paper map of the stars in the zodiac belt is mounted to the inner surface of the largest brass band, and its exterior bears a printed label and instructions; all raised on a circular cast-iron base painted black with gilt-line decoration. Similar examples in National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institute; Connecticut Historical Society. Height 18 in.

Literature: Bryant, Henry. A Synopsis of the Elements of Astronomy, and a Description of the Celestial Indicator Hartford: 1872. 1872-1873 Illustrated Catalogue of School Merchandise. J.L. Hammett, Manufacturer, Publisher, Bookseller, Boston: 1872-1873, p. 74