Astronomical Compendium signed V C
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1554
This astronomical compendium is a portable, multi-leaf, gilt brass instrument measuring 85 x 57 x 20 mm when closed. Crafted in England circa 1554 and signed 'V C', the object functions as a mechanical almanac.
It is constructed as a box with a triangular pediment and suspension ring. The interior contains a complex assembly of plates featuring a nocturnal, universal equinoctial sun and moon dial, a horizontal sundial, a quadratum nauticum, and extensive calendrical, astrological, and tide tables. Several components, including the nocturnal and specific astronomical tables, derive from Leonard Digges's 'Prognostication of Right Good Effect'.
The surfaces are decorated with foliate engraving, strapwork, and masks. Certain plates within the assembly, which includes a series of hinged leaves for astrological and tide calculations, exhibit historical damage, specifically snaps in the calendar plates.
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 1554
- Type
- English astronomical compendium
- Maker
- V C
- Origin
- English
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Dimensions
- 85 x 57 x 20 mm closed
- Place recorded
- England
- Maker / attribution
- V C
- Astronomical functions
- Nocturnal, equinoctial dial, sundial, quadratum nauticum, almanac
Design
- Visible features
- • Multi-leaf hinged construction of gilt brass plates • Triangular pediment featuring a suspension ring • Engraved interior tables and volvelles • Detailed foliate and strapwork exterior decoration
- Construction and Design
- The compendium is fashioned as a square box with a triangular pediment, constructed from gilt brass. It features an urn-shaped support at the apex that holds a swivelling suspension ring, allowing the device to be worn. The exterior covers and the faces of the triangular pediment are adorned with engraved foliage, fruit, strapwork, and human heads. One of the heads on the pediment functions as a catch for the hinged back cover. The interior is densely populated with engraved brass plates and volvelles that provide a wide array of astronomical data. The assembly incorporates a series of hinged leaves that unfold to reveal tables, a nocturnal, a horizontal sundial, and a universal equinoctial dial. Certain plates, specifically the calendar plates, have sustained structural damage, evidenced by snapping.
- Astronomical Instrumentation
- The instrument includes several functional astronomical components. A nocturnal for determining the time by the stars is present, though it has become detached from its original support. A universal equinoctial dial is integrated with a folding clinometer and a rod serving as a gnomon. This component also functions as a lunar dial, incorporating volvelles for setting the age of the moon and observing its phases. A horizontal sundial and a quadratum nauticum are located on one of the leaves. The quadratum nauticum displays compass points in a mixture of English and French. The compendium also incorporates almanac functions, with spiral scales on volvelles used for determining the moon's position in the zodiac and diagrams indicating planetary aspects.
- Tables and Literary Connections
- The contents of the compendium rely heavily on contemporary printed almanacs, particularly Leonard Digges's 'Prognostication of Right Good Effect' (1555). Many of the tables, including those for tides, calendar days, and the length of day and night, directly correspond to those published by Digges. The compendium also features extensive solar and lunar tables covering the years 1554 to 1579. The inclusion of tide tables and specific saint's days further aligns the instrument's design with Digges's publications.
Identification
- Inventory number
- 51738
- 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: Original nocturnal attachment is detached
- Research required: Folding gnomon for the horizontal sundial is missing
- Research required: Volvelles on the equinoctial dial appear to be mounted on the incorrect sides