Astronomical Compendium by Christoph Schissler
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1608
This circular astronomical compendium, dated 1608 and made of gilt brass, measures 62 mm in diameter. Signed by Christoph Schissler, The instrument features a suspension ring and a single cover.
The interior of the main box contains an inclining sundial equipped with a folding gnomon and an integral compass bowl featuring a silvered base plate. The underside of the dial plate reveals latitude scales used for setting the device's inclination. The interior of the cover displays a map of Central Germany. Externally, the device includes a lunar volvelle and aspectarium, though these components and the associated retaining nut are suspected to be later replacements due to inconsistencies in engraving style and construction details.
The base of the instrument is engraved with a circular table of latitudes for various European cities.
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
- 1608
- Type
- Augsburg astronomical compendium
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Signature
- CHRISTOPHORVS SCHISSLER SENIOR FACIEBAT AVGVSTAE VIN: Ao 1608
- Dimensions
- 62 mm in diameter
- Sundial type
- Inclining sundial
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Latitude coverage
- 33 to 60 degrees
- Maker / attribution
- Christoph Schissler
Design
- Visible features
- • Engraved signature along the outer box circumference • Folding gnomon with spring mechanism • Map of Central Germany on the interior cover • Silvered compass base plate
- Components and Functions
- The interior of the box features an inclining sundial with a folding gnomon that is sprung to the vertical. The dial plate moves on two pivots, allowing it to be depressed to expose latitude scales ranging from 33 to 60 degrees. An integral compass bowl with a silvered base plate is set into the dial, marked with four directions. The cover's interior displays a map of Central Germany, featuring an index used for orientation. The base of the instrument serves as a table of latitudes for various locations across Europe, including England, listing cities such as London and Oxford.
- Construction and Signature
- The compendium is constructed of gilt brass and measures 62 mm in diameter. It is fitted with a suspension ring and a single cover. The maker's signature is located within an engraved band that runs around the outer circumference of the main box. The signature reads: 'CHRISTOPHORVS SCHISSLER SENIOR FACIEBAT AVGVSTAE VIN: Ao 1608'. The date of 1608 corresponds to the year of Christoph Schissler's death, and this device is described by the Museum of the History of Science as a potentially final instrument produced by the maker.
- Volvelle and Potential Replacements
- The top of the cover features a lunar volvelle and aspectarium. Observations suggest these components may not be original to the instrument. The central retaining nut and the rotating index on the map are also believed to be later additions, as they do not conform to the construction methods generally used in Schissler's other instruments.
Identification
- Reference
- 49061
- 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 lunar volvelle and central retaining nut may be non-original replacements
- Research required: The west point on the cover's map scale was corrected after initial engraving