North African Astrolabe
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
14th century
This brass astrolabe, catalogued under inventory number 53556, dates to the 14th century and is attributed to North Africa. The instrument features a pierced throne with an integrated base and a rotating pin-type shackle.
The mater and limb are constructed from two soldered pieces of brass. The back of the instrument carries five distinct scales: altitude, zodiacal signs, calendar, unequal hours, and a shadow square. It is equipped with five plates covering latitudes up to 45 degrees. The rete is of the simple indicator-line type, featuring knobs for manipulation and zodiacal labels in Arabic. The double-ended alidade is original to the piece, featuring three engraved lines along its length.
The astrolabe was presented to the collection by Lewis Evans in 1924, having been previously acquired through the London trade in 1894.
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
- 14th century
- Type
- Arabic-inscribed astrolabe, North Africa
- Material
- Brass
- Acquisition
- 1924
- Throne style
- Pierced
- Shackle style
- Rotating pin
- Place recorded
- North Africa
- Place of origin
- North Africa
- Alidade configuration
- Double-ended
Design
- Visible features
- • Pierced throne with an integrated base • Zodiacal signs on the rete labeled in Arabic • Double-ended alidade with triple-line engraving • Shadow square on the back instrument face
- Scales and Markings
- The reverse of the astrolabe contains five distinct scales etched into the brass surface. These include altitude scales covering 0 to 90 degrees of arc in the upper quadrants, a zodiacal sign scale, a calendar scale, a scale for unequal hours, and a shadow square occupying the lower central portion of the instrument. The altitude scales are arranged in circular, concentric geometry and are numbered every 5 degrees. The rete is designed with an indicator-line style and bears Arabic labels for the twelve signs of the zodiac, including Al-Hamal (Aries) and Al-Hut (Pisces). While the catalog indicates there are zero stars marked on the rete, it notes the presence of flame-shaped pointers. Additionally, vestige engravings of an ecliptic are visible on the back side of the rete component, representing some signs of the zodiac.
- Construction and Design
- The astrolabe is constructed primarily of brass. The main body consists of a mater and limb assembly made of two pieces using a soldered construction method. The throne is a pierced design fixed to an integrated base, characterized by its notably diminutive size. The suspension mechanism comprises a rotating pin shackle with a ball-joint end, which attaches to a circular bracket that pivots directly on the throne. The instrument features a double-ended alidade, identified as original, which is rigid and features single sights. The rule is detailed with three engraved lines running down its length. Internally, the instrument supports five plates with latitudes ranging up to 45 degrees. The rete is of the simple indicator-line type, which includes five knobs designed for turning the component during use.
- Provenance and Acquisition
- The astrolabe was entered into the collection via a presentation by Lewis Evans in 1924. According to archival records, Evans purchased the instrument from a London dealer named Harding in 1894. Harding had previously acquired the astrolabe at one of the sales conducted by H. Weishaupt at the auction house Puttick & Simpson. H. Weishaupt and a dealer named Heilbronner, both based in Paris, were noted for regularly offering antiques sourced from the continent through this specific London venue.
Identification
- Inventory number
- 53556
- 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 rete is stated to contain zero stars despite having indicator pointers
- Research required: Origin is attributed generally to North Africa rather than a specific workshop