Brass Astrolabe, ca. 1560
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1560
This brass astrolabe (inventory 41409) is an instrument dating to approximately 1560, attributed to French manufacture. The object features a mater and limb of riveted, two-piece construction.
The engraved throne incorporates s-shaped scrollwork supports and an integrated base, connecting to a simple ring of round cross-section via an eye-bolt type shackle. The rete is of the arsenius type, containing 21 stars marked with flamant-style pointers and an ecliptic band. The back of the instrument includes five distinct scales, including degree, zodiacal, calendar, and a shadow square. Accessories include a single-ended, counter-changed rule and an alidade with rigid, double-sight design.
The instrument was presented to the History of Science Museum by Lewis Evans in 1924, having been acquired in Venice in 1899.
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
- ca. 1560
- Type
- Latin-inscribed astrolabe
- Material
- Brass
- Rete Type
- Arsenius
- Provenance
- Presented by Lewis Evans in 1924
- Star Count
- 21
- Place recorded
- France
- Acquisition Date
- 1899
Design
- Visible features
- • S-shaped scrollwork throne • Flamant star pointers • Five scales on the instrument back • Single-ended, counter-changed alidade
- Rete and Celestial Mapping
- The instrument includes a remarkably thin rete of the arsenius type, which includes an ecliptic band containing a tulip design within the strapwork. It features 21 stars, each marked with a flamant pointer. The zodiacal labels on the rete represent the standard cycle, spanning from Aries through Pisces, with divisions marked every 10 degrees. The rete is secured to the instrument using a central nut and bolt assembly connected to the alidade.
- Scales and Instrumentation
- The back of the instrument displays five functional scales including degree measurements, zodiacal signs, a calendar, and a shadow square. The degree scale is calibrated from 0 to 90 in the upper quadrants. The instrument is accompanied by a single-ended, counter-changed rule and a matching alidade. The alidade is of a rigid design featuring double sights for astronomical observation, confirming the functional nature of the piece.
- Structural Design and Throne
- The astrolabe is constructed primarily of brass, utilizing a two-piece, riveted assembly for the mater and limb. The instrument is suspended by a simple, round cross-section ring attached via an eye-bolt type shackle. The throne is designed with engraved details, featuring s-shaped scrollwork supports and an integrated base.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- 41409
- 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: Specific maker is unrecorded
- Research required: Exact regional attribution within France is not specified