Astrolabe Catalogue

 

Front of astrolabe without rete or plates. Click to enlarge
Date ca. 1590
Maker Erasmus Habermel
Place Prague (?)
Material Gilt copper
Inventory no. 38097
Acquisition Presented by J. A. Billmeir in 1957

Throne

The throne is of the compass bearing type made of gilt brass with s-shaped scroll work support(s) made of gilt brass. The throne is attached with a screwed base made of Gilt brass . The throne bears a magnetic compass on the front. The four cardinal points are indicated: "Septentrio", "Occidens", "Meridies", and "Oriens". The magnetic deviation is indicated by an arrow. On the back of the throne is a volvelle used to convert between a 24-hour and a 12-hour scale.

Ring

The ring is of the ornate type (i.e. ornate ring, not simple) made of gilt brass.

Shackle

Shackle of the square, ornate type (i.e. ornate box type shackle, frequently topped by a rotating pin)made of gilt brass. The ring is attached to the shackle via a rotating eye-pin.

Mater

The mater and limb are of two pieces, screwed 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 - 90 Degrees Every 10 degrees Circular, concentric outer2

Womb


The womb bears an ornate wind rose and Quadratum nauticum.
The womb contains 3 scales of the following types:
Type Range & Units Numbered Geometry Location
Windrose N/A   Circular, concentric None
Quadratum nauticum 0 - 90 Degrees Every 10 degrees Box None
Windrose N/A   Inner Circular, concentric None
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