This steel astrolabe was probably made around 1900 in the Paris-based workshops of Spitzer, and not in 1659 as the engraved date suggests. The sculpted metalwork is more characteristic of artistic styles toward the end of the 19th century rather than 17th century, and there are various erroneous details in the numbering and engraving that suggest a lack of understanding of astrolabes. Spitzer tended to produce instruments that were ornamental rather than technically accurate and in his catalogue there is a decorated steel nocturnal which looks very similar to AST0553. Therefore, a Spitzer provenance is highly probable.

The decidedly elaborate throne consists of two 'corncopias' that meet on top, where there is a large rotating roundrel supporting the shackle and ring. The mater has an unusually wide rim. There is one thick plate with a stereographic projection for latitude 50º on one side and an incomplete projection on the other. The rete is composed of a series of curving strapwork bands that have been arranged asymmetrically against seven straight bars. The inscription, '1659 Fecit', appears on the back of the ecliptic. On the back of the instrument are various scales including date, zodiac and degree scales. The alidade and rule are both ungraduated.