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Astrolabe
Signed by Hans Bamman
Dated 1490; German
Brass; 140 mm in diameter

The mater comprises a back plate attached to the limb. The throne has a shackle with a rose decoration on both sides and a suspension ring. The limb has a degree scale 0 to 360, divided to 5, subdivided to 1, numbered by 10. The rim is divided for hours, 1 to 12 twice.

The back has an outermost degree scale 90 to 0 to 90 to 0 to 90, divided to 5, subdivided to 1, numbered by 10. Within this is a zodiacal scale, with the names and symbols of the signs, each having a 30-degree scale divided as the degree scale. Next is a scale of the 28 lunar mansions, containing 12 or 13 days, then an eccentric calendar scale, with the Latin names of the months, each with a scale of days, divided to 5, subdivided to 1, numbered by 10 as appropriate. The central space has a double shadow square with scales 0 to 12 to 0 to 12 to 0, divided to 3, subdivided to 1, numbered by 3, and a diagram for unequal hours. Dated '1490' and signed 'h b' with Hans Bamman's triangular mark.

Jim Bennett

Museum of the History of Science, Oxford
Inventory number 46769

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