Astronomical Compendium by Josua Habermel
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Late 16th century
This astronomical compendium, signed by Josua Habermel, dates to the late 16th century and is constructed from gilt and silvered brass, measuring 62 x 60 x 9 mm.
The instrument consists of two hinged, approximately square leaves enclosing a central box. It incorporates an equinoctial sundial, a horizontal string gnomon sundial, and various volvelles. The outer face of the upper leaf features a compass rose and remains of a volvelle, while the inner face contains a lunar volvelle with foliage decoration. The central box houses a horizontal string gnomon dial and a compass with Latin markings and a classical head engraved on its underside.
The lower cover displays tables of latitudes for several locations. The compendium is currently incomplete, missing rotating discs for the volvelles and the gnomon for the equinoctial dial.
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
- Maker
- Josua Habermel
- Materials
- Gilt and silvered brass
- Dimensions
- 62 x 60 x 9 mm
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Compass markings
- Latin
- Maker / attribution
- Josua Habermel
Design
- Visible features
- • Hinged leaves with hook clasps • Engraved foliage in corners of dial plates • Compass bowl with Latin markings for cardinal directions • Folding arm for elevating the equinoctial dial plate
- Dials and Volvelles
- The outer face of the upper leaf holds a circular compass rose and the remnants of a volvelle, which is missing its rotating disc. The fixed scales provide hours from 1 to 24 and 8 to 16. The inner face features a lunar volvelle, also incomplete, designed to track the moon's age through a series of fixed scales and a missing rotating disc. The equinoctial dial plate, located between the box and the cover, features an hour scale running from 3 to 12 to 9. The underside of this plate includes a scale for latitude marked 'Eleuatio Poli'. The central box contains a horizontal string gnomon dial, with the gnomon anchored by the equinoctial dial plate.
- Structural Configuration
- The compendium is configured as a box formed by two hinged square leaves. The structure incorporates an equinoctial dial, which is hinged between the upper cover and the central box. A folding arm on the surface below allows for the elevation of the equinoctial dial plate. The central box houses the horizontal dial and a magnetic compass. The sides of the central box feature an incised rectangular decoration. Both leaves are secured by a hook clasp. The internal and external faces of the leaves are decorated with engraved foliage, particularly in the corners of the plates.
- Signature and Documentation
- The instrument is signed by Josua Habermel on the outer face of the lower cover leaf. The lower cover also carries a table of latitudes for eighteen locations, titled 'Eleuatio Poli'. The provenance is identified as the Lewis Evans Collection, specifically item G. 410. and includes an indication of magnetic variation. The underside of the compass bowl is engraved with a classical head, adding to the decorative elements of the interior, alongside the foliage engraving found on the dial plates.
Identification
- Inventory number
- 41486
- 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 rotating discs of the volvelles are missing
- Research required: The gnomon for the equinoctial dial is missing