Before there was Google Earth and Star Walk (my favorite App), there was the Farquhar transparent Globe and navigational device. An effective sundial when oriented to the actual sky and earth. Until the development of the atomic clock in the late 1960’s, monitoring the positions of the stars on the celestial sphere was the most accurate means of timekeeping, used by the U.S. Naval Observatory, and still provides information about the motion of celestial bodies for the Navy as well as the general public. (http:--www.usno.navy.mil-mission.shtml. ) We leave it best to the instruction to describe the model and how it was used. Facsimiles of the instructions will be provided with the purchase of this artifact. This Farquhar Artifact was titled Farquhar Navigational Device Model . It’s a instrument with an Earth globe at the center, a surrounding clear globe representing the stars, and a small yellow ball on a movable arm to represent the sun.
It is a three dimensional geocentric model with the Earth at the center and stars of varying distance from the Earth projected onto the surrounding plastic celestial sphere. No matter if your interest lies is in nautical naval navigational instruments, Space Age - Race equipment or you would just like to enjoy your own personal Universe…this is truly a magnificent, ever so inspiring masterpiece of yesteryears scientific instruments and of up most importance.   Description: This model is equipped with Horizon Ring, Time Ring, fixed as well as swinging Meridian Ring and mounted onto a heavy duty wooden base.The transparent acrylic outer sphere of the artifact displays constellations and more than 1,100 naked-eye stars, plus many prominent deep-sky objects against a precision grid of Right Ascension and Declination lines. The Milky Way and Magellanic Clouds are shown and deep sky objects are keyed to type. They’re all accurately hand silk-screened on the acrylic sphere’s interior surface of the outer orb. The outer sphere also highlights astral equivalents used to locate stars. Enclosed by the outer sphere is a 6 inch diameter, transparent Earth Sphere, movable and also a movable sun. One many note that Mr. Farquhar’s signature is also screen printed to the interior of the clear acrylic orb, where both hemispheres meet. Diameter of the orb itself is approx. 20 inches with the a  24 inch dome.  Total height of about 27 inches.
 This model was produced from the late 1940s-late 1950s. It was no longer offered in catalogs by 1962.   Condition: Well preserved, with a small spall near the top of the celestial orb near the center pole.  The dome has an area of enlargement where it sits on the horizon ring (see photographs) No discoloration, however black tape applied to the celestial sphere appears to demonstrate the Earth's orbital path? is missing or could be removed.  Some scuffing to the base (note small indentation) and areas of the orb. All is functional and well maintained.   This artifact due to weight and construction will require exceptionally secure packing. Please inquire about shipping expenses to your location.     $1235    SKU D1114FANAVX458