Astrolabe Catalogue

 

Complete front of astrolabe including rete. Click to enlarge.
Date ca. 1300 (?)
Place Sicily
Material Gilt brass
Inventory no. 40829
Acquisition Presented by Lewis Evans in 1924

Throne

The throne is of the three-lobed type . The throne is attached with a integrated base. The throne consists simply of a small three-lobed tab at the top of the instrument. Both the shackle and ring have been lost.

Mater

The mater and limb are of one-piece construction. The limb of the mater is simply that portion of the plate that extends beyond the rete. Scales on the limb:
Type Range & Units Numbered Geometry Location
Degree 0 - 90 Degrees Every 10 degrees Circular, concentric None

Womb


By inspection, the womb is engraved for a latitude of approximately 24°. The womb is engraved with an unusual combination of north and south projection lines, as dictated by the unusual rete.

Almucantars

Divisions Labelled Style
Divided every 6° from 0° to 90° Plain line.

Lines

Type Labelled Description
Unequal hours
Unequal hours
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