Astrolabe Catalogue

 

Front of astrolabe without rete or plates. Click to enlarge
Date ca. 1570
Place France (?)
Material Brass
Inventory no. 49726
Acquisition Presented by J. A. Billmeir in 1957

Throne

The throne is of the engraved type . The throne is attached with a integrated base. This small throne is engraved on both sides to resemble bound branches or feathers.

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).

Shackle

Shackle of the rotating pin type (i.e. pin with a 'ball-joint' on the end). The pin is attached to a simple band of brass, which is decorated with a 6-petalled flower.

Mater

The mater and limb are of two pieces, riveted construction. . Scales on the limb:
Type Range & Units Numbered Geometry Location
Windrose N/A Direction Not numbered  Circular, concentric outer
Equal hours 1 - 12 Times of day Every 1 hours Circular, concentric outer2
Degree 0 - 360 Degrees Every 10 degrees Circular, concentric outer3

Womb


The womb bears a stereographic projection.

Almucantars

Divisions Labelled Style
Divided every 2° from 0° to 90° Labelled every 4° with   (Modern) numerals Plain line.

Azimuths

Divisions Labelled Style
Divided every 5°  Labelled every 5° with   (Modern) numerals Plain line.

Circles

Type Labelled Style Notes
Equator Plain line.
Tropic of Cancer Plain line.
Tropic of Capricorn Plain line.

Lines

Type Labelled Description
Horoscopic (great) houses [number] ✤DOMVS✤ (Latin in Square capitals script) (IIII), Plain line style.
Meridian line
Horizon rectus
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