Astronomical Compendium, Late 16th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Late 16th century
This unsigned astronomical compendium, dated to the late 16th century and of German origin, is constructed from gilt brass with dimensions of 76 x 67 x 11 mm. The object comprises a single cover plate and a main box, connected by hinges and secured by two clasps.
It incorporates a horizontal pin-gnomon sundial for Italian hours, a lunar volvelle, and an inclining dial within the main box. An astronomical table detailing sunrise, sunset, and daylight duration for the entire year is divided between the front cover and back plate. The design is described as austere and undecorated. The device functions as a multi-purpose tool for timekeeping and astronomical calculation, utilizing an internal compass to orient the sundials correctly.
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
- Late 16th century
- Type
- German astronomical compendium
- Origin
- German
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Dimensions
- 76 x 67 x 11 mm
- Sundial type
- Horizontal pin-gnomon sundial
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Compass directions
- SE, OR, ME, OC
- Latitude scale range
- 45 to 66 degrees
- Lunar volvelle title
- BESCHEINVNG DES MONS EIN JEDE NACHT SEINES AB VND ZV NEM:
Design
- Visible features
- • Gilt brass construction with an austere, undecorated surface finish • Internal compass with a silvered base plate marked with cardinal directions • Lunar volvelle featuring a radiating hour scale and moon-age rings • Inclining dial with latitude adjustment on the box edge
- Sundials and Timekeeping
- The instrument distinguishes itself from standard diptych dials by utilizing two horizontal sundials. The reverse of the cover plate features a pin-gnomon sundial calibrated for Italian hours ranging from 10 to 23. This surface includes markings for the Tropic of Cancer, the equator, and the Tropic of Capricorn. Inside the main box, the instrument features an inclining dial. The inclination of this dial is controlled by an index sliding within a graduated slot positioned on the forward outer edge of the box. The latitude scale allows for adjustments between 45 and 66 degrees, with divisions marked in increments of three degrees. A folding gnomon is provided, designed to be sprung into a perpendicular position for use.
- Construction and Exterior
- The compendium is housed in a gilt brass case measuring 76 x 67 x 11 mm, consisting of a box and a single cover plate. The overall aesthetic is notably austere, featuring a lack of engraved decoration on its exterior surfaces. The cover is secured to the main box using two functional clasps. External information is provided by an astronomical table distributed across the front cover and the back plate of the instrument. This table provides data for every second day of each month, detailing the times of sunrise and sunset, alongside the calculated lengths of both day and night. January through June are etched onto the front cover, with the remaining months occupying the back plate.
- Lunar and Navigation Features
- Positioned beneath the horizontal sundial on the cover is a circular lunar volvelle. It is inscribed with a title indicating its function in tracking the moon's phases. The outer scale represents the age of the moon from 1 to 29.5, while two interior rings indicate the moon's distance from the sun in hours and minutes. A pointer at 12 accompanies a radiating hour scale with half-hour graduations. The main box houses a compass bowl situated beneath the folding gnomon. The base plate of this compass is silvered and features a cross marking the four cardinal points. These points are identified by the inscriptions 'SE', 'OR', 'ME', and 'OC'.
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: The instrument is unsigned, precluding identification of the specific maker
- Research required: The exact place of manufacture is attributed to Germany based on historical provenance rather than an explicit maker's mark