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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Arabic-inscribed astrolabe, Iran

Brass Astrolabe by 'Abd al-'Ali

Partially verified

This brass planispheric astrolabe, inventory number 40330, is attributed to the maker 'Abd al-'Ali and dated 1707/8 (A.H. 1119). Constructed in Persia, the instrument features an Indo-Persian style engraved throne with an integrated base, embossed on the front with a Qur'anic verse. The mater and limb are of one-piece construction. The rete is of the foliate single-knob type, featuring star markings and an inscription of the date 1119 A.H. The back of the instrument is equipped with 16 distinct scales, including altitude, declination, and a shadow square, alongside the maker's signature. The assembly includes five latitude plates ranging from 22° to 41° and a double-ended alidade. The device was presented to the History of Science Museum by Lewis Evans in 1924, having been purchased from a London dealer in 1921.

Front view of the brass astrolabe (inventory 40330) showing the rete and throne.
Front view of the brass astrolabe (inventory 40330) showing the rete and throne. — History of Science Museum, University of Oxford. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.mhs.ox.ac.uk
Category
Tool · Arabic-inscribed astrolabe, Iran
Maker / attribution
'Abd al-'Ali
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
40330
Source-reported date
1707/8 (A.H. 1119)
Source-reported place
Persia
Source-reported serial
40330

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Construction and Design

The astrolabe is composed of brass, featuring an Indo-Persian style engraved throne with an integrated base. The front of the throne is embossed with a Qur'anic quotation: 'His throne extends over the heavens and the earth.' The back displays a foliate decorative design. The mater and limb are constructed as a single piece, with a tab provided at the base for securing the tympans.

The rete is of the foliate single-knob style and includes a zodiacal labels. The instrument is held together by a pin and horse assembly. A simple ring with a round cross-section is attached to an omega-shaped shackle, facilitating the suspension of the device.

Evidence for this section
  • “The throne is of the indo-persian, engraved type”
  • “The mater and limb are of one-piece construction.”
  • “The rete is of the foliate (single knob) type.”

Back Scales and Calibration

The back of the astrolabe is highly complex, featuring 16 different scales arranged in quadrants. These include altitude, declination, the azimuth of the Qibla, sine/cosine, and cotangent scales. The instrument also provides zodiacal signs, lunar mansions, and a shadow square for calculations.

These markings are organized into concentric circular patterns. The shadow square is divided into feet and fingers sections.

Evidence for this section
  • “The back contains 16 scales of the following types:”
  • “The back is inscribed: with a maker's signature marked as العلي عبد صنعه (‘Abd al-‘Ali made this).”

Provenance and Documentation

The object was acquired by the History of Science Museum in Oxford as part of a donation from Lewis Evans in 1924. Records indicate that Evans previously purchased the instrument from S. G. Fenton, a dealer based in London, in 1921.

The astrolabe is assigned the inventory number 40330 in the museum's catalogue.

Evidence for this section
  • “Presented by Lewis Evans in 1924”
  • “Evans bought it from S. G. Fenton, a London dealer, in 1921.”
  • “The rete is inscribed with a date marked as: ١١١٩ (1119 A.H.).”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific astronomical purpose of the single star, Deneb, as marked on the rete?
  • To what extent has the alidade been restored since the reported bend in the sighting vane occurred?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Brass Astrolabe by 'Abd al-'Ali
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker'Abd al-'Ali“‘Abd al-‘Ali made this”
Date1707/8 (A.H. 1119)“1707/8 (A.H. 1119)”
Place of originPersia“Place Persia”
Inventory Number40330“Inventory no. 40330”
MaterialsBrass“Material Brass”
ProvenancePresented by Lewis Evans in 1924“Presented by Lewis Evans in 1924”
DealerS. G. Fenton“Evans bought it from S. G. Fenton, a London dealer, in 1921.”

Visible details

  • Indo-Persian style throne with Qur'anic inscription
  • Foliate rete design with single knob
  • Double-ended alidade with bent sighting vane
  • Integral mater and limb construction

Research qualifications

  • Specific star identification beyond Deneb remains unverified
  • Full range of latitudinal plate functionality and original state of plates not independently confirmed

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Astrolabe, inventory 40330 (Persia, 1707/8 (A.H. 1119))

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record ce88130057

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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