Curiosities
Antique Brass Astrolabe
North Africa or Iberia·17th century
$6,800
The story
An astrolabe is a map of the sky held in the hand — used for centuries by navigators, astronomers, and travelers to determine latitude, time, and direction from the positions of the stars. This one is engraved in Arabic and Latin both, suggesting it passed through at least two worlds before it arrived here. It still works. The stars haven't moved enough to matter.
Acquired at auction, Brussels, 2003.
Details
- Materials
- Engraved brass
- Condition
- Good — fine patina, all parts functional
- Origin
- North Africa or Iberia
- Era
- 17th century
- Dimensions
- 22H × 22W cm
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