Description

Robert Todd Lincoln's star and planet finder is composed of a white chart printed with black text nailed to a black leather platform and base. A large circle is cut out of the chart revealing a black map printed on a wheel below that depicts constellations in white and the path of the moon in red. Notches around the edge of the chart reveal the names of the twelve months and zodiac signs printed on the map below. The hours of the day are also printed around the edge of the chart. A golden silk thread stretches across the chart from north to south. The chart title reads: "The Barritt-Serviss Star and Planet Finder; Northern Hemisphere; Collaborated By Leon Barritt and Garrett P. Serviss." A slogan printed above the title reads: "The Heavens without a telescope. The only practical combination star, planet, and sun and moon map." The directions read: "Revolve the map until the day of the month desired stands opposite the hour of the day you wish, and that portion of the map showing within the opening below, will present the stars and planets in view at that hour . . . hold the map over your head-the top north, and you will see the stars just as they appear in the heavens." Further user instructions are printed on the sides. "Prop. of R.T. Lincoln" is handwritten in black ink along one edge of the chart. Part of The Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum