Astronomical Compendium by Tobias Volckmer, 1588
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1588
This astronomical compendium, signed by Tobias Volckmer and dated 1588, is a portable scientific instrument constructed from gilt brass and silver. Measuring 74 x 74 x 27 mm, it features a complex arrangement of components including a horizontal dial with a triangular gnomon, a central compass, and a thread reel with four colored threads and an adjustable protractor.
The interior and exterior surfaces are densely engraved with various scales, including degree scales, zodiacal signs, and calendrical data, as well as decorative fruit and strapwork motifs. It provides multiple functions for timekeeping and astronomical calculations, accommodating different latitudes and including lists of cities and their respective elevations. The device is housed in 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
- 1588
- Type
- German astronomical compendium
- Maker
- Tobias Volckmer
- Location
- Brunswick
- Material
- Gilt brass and silver
- Dimensions
- 74 x 74 x 27 mm
- Repository
- British Museum, London
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Tobias Volckmer
- Registration Number
- MLA 1886, 4-19.1
Design
- Visible features
- • Instrument case features strapwork and fruit engravings on the exterior sides • Compass plate contains names of cardinal directions in German • Central thread reel features red, white, green, and blue threads
- Construction and Exterior
- The instrument is a gilt brass and silver box measuring 74 x 74 x 27 mm. Its exterior features extensive engravings, including a circular scale of degrees and shadow squares labeled 'VMBRA RECTA' and 'VMBRA VERSA'. The sides of the main box are decorated with strapwork and fruit motifs. Specific linear scales are present on three sides, numbered 1 to 8 and 1 to 4 with fractional subdivisions. Two metal catches are positioned on the sides to secure the instrument in an open position during use.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The instrument is held by the British Museum under the registration number MLA 1886, 4-19.1. It was acquired by the museum in 1886. The object is referenced in F. A. B. Ward's catalogue of scientific instruments. The auction house/museum records note that a new compass glass was fitted to the instrument in 1934.
- Dials and Astronomical Components
- The interior contains a horizontal dial with a silver and brass triangular gnomon adjustable for three latitudes. A rotating compass plate is situated within the base, marked with German direction names and surrounded by silver scales for time and degrees. A thread reel component is stored within, featuring four colored threads and a sliding protractor marked 'HORIZONT RECTVS'. The reverse of the rotating silver plate and the lower brass base contain engravings of multiple cities and their corresponding latitudes.
Identification
- Reference
- MLA 1886, 4-19.1
- 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: Compass glass was reported replaced in 1934
- Research required: Attribution to Tobias Volckmer based on the signed signature 'THOBIAS VOLCHKMER BRAVNSWEIGSENSIS'