Astrolabe by Erasmus Habermel
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1590
This astrolabe, inventory number 38097, is attributed to the maker Erasmus Habermel and dates to approximately 1590. Constructed from gilt copper and gilt brass, the instrument features a compass-bearing throne with s-shaped scrollwork, a square ornate shackle, and a rotating eye-pin.
The limb includes equal hours and degree scales. The back displays nine scales, including zodiacal, calendar, saints' days, and shadow square functions, signed 'Erasmus Habermel fe:' below the shadow square ornament. The front houses a rete and mater with a wind rose. Accessories include a double-ended, counter-changed alidade and an ornate engraved rule with a declination scale. The instrument was part of the collection of Henri Michel and was presented to the History of Science Museum by J.
A. Billmeir in 1957.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- ca. 1590
- Type
- Latin-inscribed astrolabe
- Maker
- Erasmus Habermel
- Material
- Gilt copper
- Acquisition
- Presented by J. A. Billmeir in 1957
- Throne type
- Compass bearing type
- Place recorded
- Prague (?)
- Maker's signature
- Erasmus Habermel fe:
- Maker / attribution
- Erasmus Habermel
Design
- Visible features
- • Magnetic compass mounted on the front of the throne. • Volvelle on the back of the throne for 12/24-hour conversion. • Ornate wind rose and Quadratum nauticum in the womb. • Double-ended counter-changed alidade and rule.
- Provenance and History
- The astrolabe was acquired by J. A. Billmeir as part of a collection purchased from Henri Michel of Brussels around 1950. Billmeir subsequently presented the instrument to the History of Science Museum in Oxford in 1957, where it is currently held under inventory number 38097. Historical accounts linked to the object suggest it was formerly held by the Habsburg family.
- Scales and Inscriptions
- The reverse of the astrolabe is highly detailed, containing nine distinct scales. These include circular, concentric scales for degrees, zodiacal signs, the calendar, and saints' days. Upper quadrants are reserved for unequal hours, while the center features a shadow square with multiple faces for different calculations. A planetary hours scale is also present in the inner box. The maker's signature, 'Erasmus Habermel fe:', is engraved below the ornament situated under the shadow square. This mark identifies the maker as Erasmus Habermel, consistent with the source attribution.
- Construction and Features
- The instrument is composed primarily of gilt copper and gilt brass components. It features a compass-bearing throne adorned with s-shaped scrollwork, which is attached to the body via a screwed base. The top of the assembly is finished with an ornate ring and a square box-type shackle, allowing for suspension. A magnetic compass is integrated into the front of the throne, with cardinal points labeled 'Septentrio', 'Occidens', 'Meridies', and 'Oriens', and an arrow indicating magnetic deviation. The mater and limb are constructed of two pieces joined by screws. The limb is calibrated with degree and equal hours scales. Internally, the womb features a decorative wind rose and a Quadratum nauticum. On the reverse of the throne, a volvelle serves to convert time between 12-hour and 24-hour systems.
Identification
- Inventory number
- 38097
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The place of manufacture is listed as 'Prague (?)', indicating uncertainty.
- Research required: The connection to the Habsburg family and Emperor Rudolf II is noted as an assumption rather than a proven fact.