Gilt Brass Quadrant by Christoph Schissler
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1599
This 1599 gilt brass quadrant, measuring 380 x 380 mm, is signed by the artisan Christoph Schissler of Augsburg. The instrument is designed for the measurement of time, terrestrial distances, and heights.
Its face features two horary quadrants—one for unequal hours with curved lines and one for equal hours with straight lines—calibrated for a latitude of 48 degrees 15 minutes, corresponding to Vienna. The instrument incorporates a shadow square for elevation measurements, a degree scale from 0 to 90, and a solar declination scale marked with zodiacal degrees. The assembly includes a fixed rule, a pivoting alidade with folding sights, and a rear mounting disc.
It is supplied with a telescopic mahogany stand featuring a universal joint and a steel pointed base for field use, alongside a leather-bound wooden carrying case featuring gold-tooled decorations. The object is associated with a collection acquired from Germany by Prince Mattias de' Medici in 1635.
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
- 1599
- Type
- Augsburg quadrant
- Maker
- Christoph Schissler
- Materials
- Gilt brass, wood, leather
- Dimensions
- 380 x 380 mm
- Provenance
- Prince Mattias de' Medici collection
- Place recorded
- Augsburg
- Place of origin
- Augsburg
- Maker / attribution
- Christoph Schissler
- Latitude calibration
- 48 degrees 15 minutes
Design
- Visible features
- • Quadrants calibrated for Vienna latitude • Alidade with folding sights for measurement • Extensive engraved scales on perimeter • Leather case features gold tooling
- Design and Functionality
- The primary instrument face consists of a gilt brass plate containing two horary quadrants designed for calculating time. The inner quadrant utilizes curved lines for hours 'all'antica', while the outer quadrant uses straight lines for equal hours. This face also includes a degree scale for altitude (0 to 90 degrees) and a solar declination scale marked with zodiacal degrees. Measurement capabilities extend to terrestrial distances and heights through the inclusion of a shadow square. Two sides of the square display 13 different pairs of scales, each divided in increments ranging from 0 to 1000. Additionally, the instrument possesses a fixed rule and a pivoting alidade equipped with folding sights for precise observations. Calibration is specifically set for the latitude of 48 degrees 15 minutes, identified as Vienna.
- Mounting and Portability
- For stationary use in the field, the instrument is designed to be mounted on a telescopic mahogany stand. This stand is provided with a universal joint to facilitate orientation and a steel pointed base meant for driving into the ground. A central disc, secured by four screws, is located on the reverse of the brass square to interface with the stand's central threaded post. When not in use, the instrument can be dismantled for transport. It is housed in a dedicated wooden case, which is bound in leather. The exterior of this case features decorative gold tooling and includes brass hinges for secure closure.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The quadrant is held within the collection of the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza in Firenze under inventory numbers 155 and 156. Records indicate that the instrument originated in Germany and was brought into the collection of Prince Mattias de' Medici in 1635. The piece is a recognized work by the artisan Christoph Schissler. The physical condition and configuration include a rule riveted to the side and scales continued on the alidade to 280, with individual segments divided by diagonal dots to one-fifth.
Identification
- Inventory Numbers
- 155 and 156
- 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: Originality of the mahogany stand is not explicitly confirmed
- Research required: Exact historical function of the '13 different pairs of scales' requires further study