Astronomical Compendium by Ulrich Schniep
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1550-70
This circular astronomical compendium, signed by Ulrich Schniep of Munich and dated 1550-70, is constructed of gilt brass with a diameter of 53 mm and a depth of 12 mm.
The device consists of a main drum containing a compass and a folding universal equinoctial sundial, with a cover that incorporates both a nocturnal and a lunar volvelle. The instrument integrates a variety of timekeeping and astronomical functions, including a calendar scale, an hour scale for length of day and night, moon phase representations, an aspectarium, and a table of latitudes for 32 locations. It features inscriptions in Latin, Italian, and Dutch.
The instrument is equipped with a suspension ring for portability. The compass needle is currently missing from the central bowl, and the construction shows deliberate mechanical design for latitude adjustments and orientation for timekeeping across different geographical locations.
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
- 1550-70
- Type
- German astronomical compendium
- Maker
- Ulrich Schniep
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Place recorded
- Munich
- Compass diameter
- 21 mm
- Latitude coverage
- 32 places
- Maker / attribution
- Ulrich Schniep
Design
- Visible features
- • Missing compass needle • Gilt brass construction • Engraved Latin and Dutch inscriptions • Incorporates lunar volvelle and nocturnal
- Signature and Linguistic Features
- The object is inscribed with the signature of its maker, Ulrich Schniep of Munich, located around the outer drum. While the internal scales and calendar primarily utilize Latin, the wind roses incorporate Italian, and the cardinal directions are presented in Dutch.
- Instrument Components and Functions
- The compendium is a complex, multi-functional device contained within a 53 mm diameter gilt brass drum. The top cover functions as a nocturnal with an integrated lunar volvelle, which provides data on the age of the moon, its phases, and an aspectarium displaying symbols for conjunction, trine, quadrature, and sextile. The nocturnal mechanism includes a calendar scale and a rotating rule for nocturnal timekeeping. Folding into the main body is a universal equinoctial sundial featuring both a 24-hour scale for Italian hours and a 12-hour scale for common hours. Orientation is supported by a compass bowl with a silvered base plate and a wind rose marked in Italian and Dutch.
- Mechanical Adjustments and Latitude
- The instrument includes specialized features for geographical adjustment. A folding brass arm attached to the inside of the hour ring carries a double latitude scale for northern latitudes, allowing the device to be used as a universal sundial. The arm, when swiveled, secures into a notch at the midday point for stability during observation. A table on the base of the instrument lists the latitudes of 32 distinct locations. Notably, the technical execution shows an error in the engraving of the latitude values, where maximum values were inadvertently applied to the minimum values for four of the five latitudes.
Identification
- Reference
- 52029
- 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: Presence of Dutch directions suggests a possible Dutch client but is unverified
- Research required: Latitude scale maximum values in minutes were mistakenly reused for minimum values