Astronomical Compendium by Christoph Schissler, circa 1550
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1550
This astronomical compendium, fashioned from gilt brass, measures 60 x 65 x 12 mm when closed. It is signed by the Augsburg maker Christoph Schissler and is attributed to circa 1550 based on comparisons with dated pieces, which suggests it is among the maker's earliest instruments.
The device features a 'wegweiser' on the lid, which includes a magnetic compass, a 12-hour scale, and a wind vane with weather prognostications. The interior contains a universal equatorial sundial, originally equipped with a pin gnomon, and a horizontal string gnomon dial that incorporates a latitude scale marked 'ELEVATION POLI'. The base of the instrument is engraved with a list of 24 European cities alongside their respective latitudes.
The surface is decorated with arabesque patterns, and inscriptions are executed in raised lettering. It is currently part of the collection at the British Museum.
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
- circa 1550
- Type
- Augsburg astronomical compendium
- Maker
- Christoph Schissler
- Location
- Augsburg
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Signature
- CRISTOF SCHISLER AVGSPURG
- Dimensions
- 60 x 65 x 12 mm closed
- Place recorded
- Augsburg
- Maker / attribution
- Christoph Schissler
Design
- Visible features
- • Wegweiser on the lid with weather prognostications • Gilt brass construction with arabesque decoration • Horizontal string dial with adjustable arm • List of 24 cities with latitudes on the base
- Attribution and History
- The instrument is signed by the noted Augsburg maker Christoph Schissler. While the piece itself is undated, researchers compare its construction and decorative motifs with other dated instruments to arrive at an attribution of circa 1550. This comparison indicates the object may be one of Schissler’s early works. The compendium was acquired by the British Museum in 1855. It is documented in the 1981 publication by F. A. B. Ward, which details European scientific instruments in the museum's collection.
- Instrument Layout and Exterior
- The lid of the gilt brass box functions as a 'wegweiser', displaying the eight primary cardinal directions alongside weather forecasts and sun movement data. A central aperture exposes an internal magnetic compass, which shows a deviation of approximately 10 degrees east of north. Surrounding this aperture is a 12-hour scale, while a metal bridge, housing a wind vane, spans the centre. The exterior ornamentation consists primarily of arabesque patterns. The inscriptions, detailing meteorological phenomena such as 'Gewilckig' and 'Regen' alongside directional headings like 'nord ost' and 'sud west', are executed in raised lettering.
- Interior Dials and Functionality
- Opening the instrument reveals a universal equatorial sundial plate, numbered in a clockwise direction. Beneath this component lies a horizontal string gnomon dial, featuring hour lines ranging from 4 to 8. This dial includes a latitude scale, labelled 'ELEVATION POLI', calibrated from 0 to 60 degrees. Adjustability is achieved through a hinged supporting arm attached to the upper plate. The bottom of the instrument provides a reference list of 24 European cities, such as 'Venedig' and 'Paris', each paired with its specific latitude measurement.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- MLA 1855,9-4.1
- 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 pin gnomon for the universal equatorial dial is missing.
- Research required: The wind vane is partially broken.