Astrolabe Catalogue

 
astrolabe, inventory number 49847 from France (?), late 15th century
thumbnail for astrolabe (front), inventory number 49847 from France (?), late 15th century
thumbnail for astrolabe (back), inventory number 49847 from France (?), late 15th century
Datelate 15th century
PlaceFrance (?)
MaterialBrass
Inventory no.49847
AcquisitionPresented by J. A. Billmeir in 1957

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Throne, Ring and Shackle

The throne is of the five-lobed type made of brass attached with integrated base made of brass . More information

Mater

The mater and limb are of three pieces construction. The front (astrolabe) limb, which is riveted to the womb plate and the back (equatorium) limb. Scales on the limb: equal hours scale; degree scale. More information

Mater

The mater and limb are of three pieces construction. The back (equatorium) limb, which is riveted to the womb plate and the front (astrolabe) limb. Scales on the limb: zodiacal signs scale. More information

Back

The back (equatorium) womb shows some faint circles as well as a set of lines dividing the womb into quadrants. It is possible that the maker intended to engrave a set of tables, perhaps the auges of the planets found on the plate. The back contains 0 scales. More information

Rete, Nut & Bolt

The rete contains 0 stars. The rete contains 29 stars. The zodiac on the rete is labelled: ARIES , TAVRVS , GEMINI , CANCER , LEO , VIRGO , LIBRA , SCORPIVS , SAGITTARIVS , CAPRICORNVS , AQVARIVS , PISCES .The rete contains 0 stars.
The rete is attached using a nut & bolt. The bolt looks to be a replacement. In addition to the nut, there is a washer that has been drilled to match the holes on the arms of the equatorium. More information

Plates

There are 3 plates with latitudes ranging from 45°0' to 48°0' . More information

Rules & Alidades

Type Details
AlidadeDouble-ended, counter-changed. The rule was not completed; one of the sighting vanes was marked for pinholes but never pierced.
RuleSingle-ended, counter-changed. This rule is to be used with the equatorium and indicates the planetary position within the zodiac, engraved on the limb.
More information

 

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