Astronomical Compendium by Tobias Klieber
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1595
This 1595 astronomical compendium is signed by Tobias Klieber and manufactured in Augsburg. The instrument is constructed from gilt brass, measuring 41 x 46 x 24 mm.
It features a main box with an engraved lid depicting a coat-of-arms. Inside, the device includes a universal equinoctial dial mounted on a silver plate, a compass with magnetic deviation, and a wind rose with 32 directions. The underside of the base contains a sliding gilt brass plate revealing a nocturnal and a lunar volvelle with an aspectarium. A separate silver plate hidden beneath the sliding leaf carries the maker’s signature and the date.
The sides of the main box are decorated with engravings of blowing cherubs. The instrument functions as a multifaceted timekeeping and navigational tool, incorporating multiple horological and astronomical features within a compact, portable format.
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
- 1595
- Type
- Augsburg astronomical compendium
- Maker
- Tobias Klieber
- Signature
- THOBIAS KLIEBER AVGVSTV FACIEBAT AN:DOMINI 1595
- Dimensions
- 41 x 46 x 24 mm
- Place recorded
- Augsburg
- Place of origin
- Augsburg
- Maker / attribution
- Tobias Klieber
Design
- Visible features
- • Engravings of blowing cherubs on the box sides • Missing gnomon pin on the equinoctial dial • Nocturnal alidade appears fractured • Red, blue, and green coloration on the wind rose
- Construction and Design
- The astronomical compendium is housed in a gilt brass box measuring 41 x 46 x 24 mm. The lid exterior is engraved with a coat-of-arms featuring a shield, a band, two flowers, and a helmeted crest. The box sides are adorned with engravings of blowing cherubs. The interior mechanisms include a silver plate for a universal equinoctial dial and a wind rose with 32 directions colored in red, blue, and green. A sliding gilt brass plate at the base incorporates a nocturnal and a lunar volvelle with an aspectarium on its outer surface.
- Signature and Documentation
- The maker's mark is located on a silver plate concealed beneath the sliding leaf on the underside of the box. The inscription identifies the maker as Tobias Klieber and states the date of manufacture as 1595. The instrument is held by the British Museum and was donated by A.W. Franks in 1867. It is catalogued in F. A. B. Ward's 1981 work on European scientific instruments.
- Horological and Astronomical Features
- The compendium integrates several distinct scientific functions. The equinoctial dial includes hour scales for morning and afternoon times, although the pin gnomon is currently missing. An internal compass provides directional orientation and magnetic deviation. The nocturnal, located on the inside of the sliding brass plate, features an alidade and a silver revolving plate with cardinal directions and an hour scale. The lunar volvelle on the exterior of this plate tracks lunar days and hours.
Identification
- Reference
- MLA 1867, 7-5.24
- Inventory number
- MLA 1867, 7-5.24
- 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 compass is described as detached
- Research required: The gnomon pin for the equinoctial dial is missing