Lunar Crater model

Electrotype copy of a plaster model showing the lunar crater, Eratosthenes in a hinged mahogany case. Made by Henry Blunt from observations of the Moon made with his own reflecting telescope at his home in Shrewsbury. The model was donated by the commissioners for the 1851 Great Exhibition held at the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, London. It is thought to be copy of the lunar model exhibited under Class X, item No.372 in exhibition catalogue. The original appears to be in the possession of the Royal Astronomical Society

Made in 1851, this model is an electrotype copy of a plaster replica of the Moon's surface centred on the crater Eratosthenes. Framed in a wooden case it was made by the amateur astronomer, Henry Blunt. The model is based on observations of the Moon made with his reflecting telescope from his home at Shrewsbury. The main crater in the electrotype corresponds to a lunar feature 28 miles across (45 km). It was donated to the Science Museum by the Commissioners of the Great Exhibition and was probably displayed at the 1851 world exposition. The model is described in the exhibition catalogue, but other examples of lunar models by Blunt are known to exist.