Gilt Brass Astrolabe by Bastien Le Seney
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1545
This 85 mm diameter gilt brass astrolabe is signed by Bastien Le Seney, a clockmaker to Henry VIII. Produced circa 1545 in London, the instrument features a three-lobed throne decorated with foliate scrolls and a suspension ring that appears to be a replacement.
The mater contains a degree scale and a small pin to secure the two provided plates. The rete includes an ecliptic ring with zodiacal engravings and twenty star pointers, eight of which are labeled. The back of the instrument displays a degree scale, zodiacal markings, a calendrical scale, shadow scales, and a double hour quadrant. It also features the coat of arms of Henry VIII, which includes heraldic inaccuracies, alongside the initials 'H' and 'R'.
Additional inscriptions include the motto of the Order of the Garter and a royal dedication on the rule.
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 1545
- Type
- English astrolabe
- Maker
- Bastien Le Seney
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Provenance
- Augustus W. H. Meyrick
- Place recorded
- London
- Maker / attribution
- Bastien Le Seney
Design
- Rete and Alidade
- The rete is characterized by an thick ecliptic ring featuring engraved zodiacal signs. It includes twenty star pointers, of which eight are specifically identified with labels such as 'CANIS MINOR' and 'SPICA VIR'. The alidade is counter-changed with a bevelled edge and two sighting vanes. One arm of the alidade and the central wedge are identified as replacements. Despite the replacement of one arm, portions of the motto 'Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense' remain visible. Specifically, 'QUI' is near the center, with 'MAL Y PENCE' appearing on the remaining original arm. Both the alidade and the rule are finished with stepped pointers at their extremities.
- Visible features
- • The coat of arms of Henry VIII shows reversed lions and incorrect quartering. • The rule is inscribed with 'ROY HENRY PAR LA' / 'GRASE DE DEIV'. • The rete contains twenty star pointers with eight labeled. • The Latin names of the winds are inscribed on the outside edge of the mater.
- Construction and Mater
- The astrolabe is constructed of gilt brass with a diameter of 85 mm. The mater features a degree scale numbered 0 to 360 clockwise by 5-degree increments. The rim is riveted to the mater, and a small pin at the bottom maintains the placement of the internal plates. The equal hour markings are present, though the numeral 9 is engraved in reverse. The outer edge of the mater bears the Latin names of the winds, including 'VELNOTVS' and 'AVSTER'. The instrument features a three-lobed throne adorned with foliate scrolls. The suspension ring is identified as a replacement. Two plates are provided, each featuring varying thicknesses; one is double the thickness of the other. These plates are marked for latitudes of 52 degrees 30 minutes and 53 degrees, with crude almucantar and azimuth markings.
- Back Plate Details and Inscriptions
- The back of the astrolabe is engraved with a degree scale reading from 0 to 90 degrees in four segments. A zodiacal scale is included, as is an eccentric anticlockwise calendrical scale. The lower portion contains shadow scales and the signature of the maker, 'BASTIEN LE SENEY FACIT'. The top half features a double hour quadrant. Central to the back is the coat of arms of Henry VIII, flanked by the letters 'H' and 'R' with two roses inscribed below. The heraldry contains noted inaccuracies, specifically the placement of the fleurs-de-lis and the direction of the lions in the first quarter. The alidade and rule display segments of the Order of the Garter motto and a royal inscription in French.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- MLA 1878,11-1.113
- 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 suspension ring is considered a replacement.
- Research required: One arm of the alidade is a replacement, as is the wedge.