German astrolabe
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
16th century
This 16th-century brass astrolabe, inventory number 39887, is attributed to Germany. The instrument includes a mater, rete with 25 stars, two plates for latitude 52 degrees, and an alidade.
The mater and limb feature a three-piece construction with the limb and inner ring pinned to the back plate. The back of the instrument remains largely blank, with a single degree scale, intended to accommodate a Geminus-style sundial. The instrument was acquired by the History of Science Museum in 1924, having been presented by Lewis Evans. Records indicate the alidade, pin, horse, throne, shackle, and ring were restored by dealer Percy Webster in 1908.
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
- 16th century
- Type
- Latin-inscribed astrolabe
- Material
- Brass
- Acquisition
- Presented by Lewis Evans in 1924
- Alidade type
- Double-ended, counter-changed
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Restoration details
- Alidade, pin, horse, throne, shackle, and ring were restored by Percy Webster in 1908
- Place of manufacture
- Germany
Design
- Visible features
- • The zodiac on the rete is labeled with twelve zodiacal symbols. • The throne is of a simple type attached with a notched base.
- Rete and Star Map
- The rete, which is of a distinct and unusual type, contains 25 stars marked with flamant pointers. It features an ecliptic inscribed with the twelve zodiacal signs. The meridian and the east-west line are counter-changed at the pivot, and the rete includes a curved strap within the ecliptic. These features, along with the blunt nature of the pointers, have led to skepticism regarding the authenticity of the rete, with some suggesting it may be a modern creation.
- Construction and Mater
- The astrolabe is constructed primarily of brass and features a mater and limb assembly consisting of three distinct pieces. The limb and an inner ring are pinned, or possibly soldered, to the back plate. The mater itself is inscribed with latitude information, specifically 'ELEVA POLI 48 G'. The central hole of the mater is notably coarse and not perfectly circular. This finish is attributed to the thin nature of the brass sheet used for the plate, which lacked the thickness required for milling or filing, necessitating the use of a sharp tool to cut the opening. The throne attached to the mater is of a simple type with a notched base, featuring engraved rectangle decoration and single-line edge tracing.
- Provenance and Restoration
- The instrument was acquired by Lewis Evans, who purchased it from the London dealer Percy Webster in 1908. Upon acquisition, Webster performed restorative work on the instrument, which included manufacturing a new alidade, pin, horse, throne, shackle, and ring. The object was later presented to the History of Science Museum in 1924, accessioned under the number 1924-0/2075.
Identification
- Inventory number
- 39887
- 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 authenticity of the instrument has been doubted by some observers.
- Research required: The rete is of an unusual type that has attracted suspicion of being a modern fake.