Late 14th Century European Astrolabe
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 14th century
This brass planispheric astrolabe, inventory number 36338, is attributed to Europe and dates to the late 14th century. The instrument features a three-lobed throne with an integrated base, a simple round-section ring, and an omega-type shackle.
The mater and limb are constructed from two pieces, soldered and riveted together. The rete, of the indicator-line type, is secured by a pin and wedge and displays 33 stars marked with flamant pointers. The zodiacal labels on the rete include Aries through Pisces. The back of the astrolabe is engraved with six distinct scales, including degree, zodiacal signs, calendar, unequal hours, and a shadow square. The womb area contains two coats of arms, one of which appears unfinished.
Acquired in 1957, the instrument was presented to the History of Science Museum by J. A. Billmeir, having been previously obtained from the Paris-based collector and dealer Nicolas Landau.
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
- Late 14th century
- Type
- Latin-inscribed astrolabe
- Material
- Brass
- Throne type
- Three-lobed
- Place recorded
- Europe
- Rete star count
- 33
- Acquisition source
- J. A. Billmeir
- Provenance history
- Purchased from Nicolas Landau
Design
- Visible features
- • The rete features multiple construction marks and cursive script on the reverse side. • The alidade is double-ended and counter-changed with rigid, single-sight construction. • The mater womb contains two coats of arms, with one being crudely engraved.
- Scales and Provenance
- The reverse of the mater is etched with six scales: degree, zodiacal signs, calendar, unequal hours, and a shadow square. Two coats of arms are present within the womb area; one is finished, while the other is described as crudely engraved and unfinished. The astrolabe was acquired in 1957 as part of a donation from J. A. Billmeir. Historical records indicate that Billmeir acquired the piece from the Parisian dealer Nicolas Landau between 1955 and 1957. The coat of arms remains unidentified.
- Construction and Layout
- The astrolabe is manufactured from brass and follows a standard European configuration for the period. The mater and limb are joined via soldering and riveting. The throne is fashioned in a three-lobed style, integrated with the base, and holds a simple circular-section ring and an omega-shaped shackle. The instrument includes an alidade and a pointer, both described as counter-changed and original. The alidade is rigid and double-ended, featuring single sights and pinholes for astronomical observation.
- Rete and Astronomical Calibration
- The rete uses the indicator-line design and is fixed in place with a pin and wedge. It features 33 distinct stars, each indicated by a flamant pointer. The ecliptic scale is graduated from 0 to 30 degrees. The zodiacal signs are engraved in Latin, including names such as ARIES, TAV, and GEMI'.
Identification
- Reference
- 36338
- Inventory number
- 36338
- 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 coats of arms engraved in the mater have not been identified.
- Research required: The exact workshop or specific place of manufacture within Europe is unknown.