Astronomical Compendium
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1555
This astronomical compendium is an instrument signed by Ulrich Klieber and dated 1555. Constructed of gilt and silvered brass, it measures 59 x 59 x 15 mm and was produced in Augsburg.
The object is square in section and was originally designed with two folding cover leaves to enclose the central box, though one cover is currently lost. The central section includes an inclining sundial with a folding gnomon, adjustable for latitudes between 35 and 55 degrees. A silvered hour plate features a central circular hole that formerly housed a compass. The instrument includes a lunar volvelle, an aspectarium, and a table of latitudes for 28 locations.
Additionally, the set is accompanied by a loose plate containing a simplified astrolabe. The instrument is signed in two locations, including a signature on the sundial plate and a longer inscription on the table of latitudes.
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
- 1555
- Type
- Augsburg astronomical compendium
- Maker
- Ulrich Klieber
- Location
- Augsburg
- Material
- Gilt and silvered brass
- Signature
- KLEBER 1555
- Dimensions
- 59 x 59 x 15 mm
- Provenance
- Lewis Evans Collection
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Ulrich Klieber
Design
- Visible features
- • Foliate engraving on outer sides of the central box • Folding gnomon with a distinct cutout profile • Numbered hour scale on the silvered dial plate • Visible hinge mechanism for a missing cover
- Construction and Design
- The astronomical compendium is a square-sectioned instrument manufactured from gilt and silvered brass. Measuring 59 x 59 x 15 mm, the device was originally intended to feature two folding cover leaves, though the upper cover has been lost. The exterior sides of the central box are decorated with foliate engraving. The central portion of the instrument houses an inclining sundial equipped with a folding gnomon. The dial is adjustable for latitudes between 35 and 55 degrees at 2-degree intervals. The silvered hour plate features a central circular aperture with a diameter of 22 mm, which previously held a compass. Beneath the hour plate, there is a compass and wind rose containing the eight principal directions and wind names in German.
- Signatures and Inscriptions
- Ulrich Klieber, a maker based in Augsburg, signed the instrument in two distinct locations. The first signature, reading 'KLEBER 1555', is positioned around the origin point of the gnomon on the sundial plate. A second, more detailed signature is located on the table of latitudes, which lists 28 places. A notable detail of the engraving is the reversal of the letter 'N' throughout the instrument's inscriptions. The signature on the table of latitudes reads 'GEMACHT . ULRICH KLIBER . ZVO . AVGSPVRG . HAT 48 . GRAT'. This plate is further embellished with foliate engraving surrounding the text.
- Components and Auxiliary Features
- The inner face of the lower cover contains a lunar volvelle and an aspectarium. The volvelle includes a fixed outer scale of hours and an aperture displaying the age of the moon, labeled 'DIES ETATIS LVNAE'. The aspectarium features polygons and symbols for trine, quadrature, and sextile aspects. The instrument is accompanied by a loose plate acting as a simplified astrolabe. This plate features a projection of the equator and two tropics, with unequal hour lines representing the twelve astrological houses. The rete is limited to an ecliptic circle divided into zodiac symbols, and the center is fitted with two pivoting index rules with solar and lunar symbols.
Identification
- 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: One of the two original folding covers is missing
- Research required: The compass originally located in the central box is missing