Astrolabe Catalogue

 

Front of astrolabe without rete or plates. Click to enlarge
Date ca. 1575
Maker Humphry Cole
Place London
Material Gilt brass
Inventory no. 43454
Acquisition Presented by A. E. Gunther in 1986

Throne

The throne is of the simple type made of brass . The throne is attached with a integrated base made of Brass . The front and back of the throne are decorated with foliate engravings..

Ring

The ring is of the simple, round cross-section type (i.e. simple plain ring made from a round rod or piece of metal). Unlike most rings, this one is pierced by the pin that attaches it to the shackle.

Shackle

Shackle of the rotating pin type (i.e. pin with a 'ball-joint' on the end). Simple pin that pierces both the ring and the disc witin the throne..

Mater

The mater and limb are of one-piece construction. . Scales on the limb:
Type Range & Units Numbered Geometry Location
Equal hours 1 - 12 Times of day Every 1 hours Circular, concentric outer
Degree 0 - 360 Not numbered  Circular, concentric None

The limb is inscribed:
Content Translation Notes Type
1659. Acad. Oxon. Ex dono Nic Greaves. S.T.D. 1659. University of Oxford. From the gift of Nicholas Greaves, doctor of theology This inscription is probably a later addition to the instrument. Owner's mark

Womb


The womb is very copper coloured and not gilded. There is a notch at the throne for the tabs from the tympans..
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