Brass Astrolabe, 17th century (?)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
17th century (?)
This 17th-century brass astrolabe (inventory 53307) was presented to the History of Science Museum by J. A. Billmeir in 1957. The instrument features a simple brass throne attached to an integrated base, a round-section suspension ring, and an omega-type shackle.
The mater and limb are constructed from two soldered pieces, with the limb featuring a circular degree scale. The rete is of the foliate, single-knob type with star pointers extending from bulbous bases, while the back displays scales for altitude, unequal hours, cotangents, and a shadow square. The instrument includes three plates covering latitudes from 21°0' to 45°0'. Provenance research identifies plates for 21° 31' and 41° 31', suggesting an original intended use for a Muslim at the latter latitude, possibly Istanbul.
The double-ended alidade is rigid and features single pinhole sights.
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
- 17th century (?)
- Type
- Arabic-inscribed astrolabe, Near East
- Origin
- Turkey
- Material
- Brass
- Rete Type
- Foliate (single knob)
- Acquisition
- Presented by J. A. Billmeir in 1957
- Place recorded
- Turkey
- Plate Latitude Range
- 21°0' to 45°0'
Design
- Rete and Plates
- The rete is a foliate, single-knob design with star pointers that originate from bulbous, bulb-shaped bases. The zodiac signs on the rete are engraved in Arabic script. The rete is secured to the mater using a central pin and wedge arrangement, featuring a decorative, neatly carved horse. There are three plates provided with the instrument, which cover latitudes ranging from 21°0' to 45°0'. The back of the astrolabe incorporates four primary scales: altitude, unequal hours, cotangent, and a shadow square. The altitude scales are arranged in the upper quadrants of the circular area.
- Visible features
- • The rete zodiac is engraved with Arabic lettering. • The throne has a simple design integral to the limb. • The back instrument scales are arranged in quadrants. • The alidade is double-ended with single pinhole sights.
- Provenance and Origin
- The astrolabe was acquired by the museum following a donation by J. A. Billmeir in 1957, having been purchased by him between 1955 and 1957. The object is assigned the accession number 1957-84/171. The presence of two specific plates with latitudes of 21° 31' (associated with Mecca) and 41° 31' suggests that the instrument was originally created for a user at the latter latitude. Based on this, historical research suggests that the instrument may have been intended for use in Istanbul, Turkey.
- Construction and Mater
- The astrolabe is manufactured entirely from brass. The mater and limb are composed of two distinct pieces, which are joined through a soldered construction. The limb is graduated with a degree scale, which is numbered every 5 degrees in a circular, concentric geometry from 0 to 90 degrees. The throne is of the simple type, featuring an integrated base that is composed of two distinct components. The front part is integral with the limb, while the back part serves as an extension of the rear plate. A simple, round cross-section ring is attached to the throne via an omega-type shackle.
Identification
- Serial number
- 53307
- Inventory Number
- 53307
- 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 exact 17th-century dating remains uncertain.
- Research required: The attribution of the place of manufacture as Turkey is based on source analysis.