Astrolabe

Although this instrument is of a plain design and not particularly appealing, it is, nevertheless, a more or less competent production. It is Iranian or Indo-Persian in origin.

The throne is devoid of markings, save for a vertical line in the middle. In the mater is a gazetteer with the longitudes and latitudes of 34 standard localities including Mecca, Jerusalem, Baghdad and Lahore. The rete, with 13 star pointers, is characterised by its very wide ecliptic ring and its thin and straight solstitial and equinoctial bars. The five plates are simply but correctly engraved and cover latitudes between 30º-42º. There is a double shadow square on the back of the instrument.

Object Details

ID: AST0542
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Astrolabe
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Date made: 19th century
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: Overall: 27 x 175 x 102 mm; Diameter: 100 mm