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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Scientific instrument

Islamic Engraved Brass Astrolabe

Partially verified

This Islamic astrolabe is catalogued as a 19th-century scientific instrument of natural patinated bronze or engraved brass, tentatively attributed to Iran. The mater rim is engraved with minute symbols and holds stacked engraved plates beneath an openwork rete and a central alidade bar with sighting vanes. The reverse is recorded as being engraved with symbols of the zodiac. Surmounting the mater is a lobed throne featuring Arabic engraving and an attached suspension ring hook. Overall dimensions are catalogued as 7.5 inches high by 5.5 inches wide.

Front view of engraved brass astrolabe showing the lobed throne, suspension ring, mater rim, openwork rete, and alidade
Front view of engraved brass astrolabe showing the lobed throne, suspension ring, mater rim, openwork rete, and alidade — Millea Bros. Ltd.. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Tool · Scientific instrument
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
2136
Source-reported date
19th c.
Country
Iran (possibly)

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

Object Identity and Attribution

The item is described as a 19th-century scientific instrument, with origin tentatively attributed to Iran. Auction documentation refers to the construction material as both 'brass' in the title and 'natural patinated bronze' in the lot description.

The condition is recorded by the auction house as 'good,' noting a burnished patina and white deposits within the crevices.

Evidence for this section
  • “19th c., possibly Iran”
  • “Islamic engraved brass astrolabe”
  • “natural patinated bronze”
  • “Condition Good, burnished patina with some white deposits in crevices, appears complete”

Construction and Componentry

The assembly features a mater with an engraved rim containing minute symbols. It includes stacked engraved plates held beneath an openwork rete and a pivoting alidade arm.

The structure is surmounted by a lobed throne featuring Arabic engraving and a circular suspension ring hook.

Evidence for this section
  • “the mater rim engraved with minute symbols, containing stacked engraved plates secured under the openwork rete and alidade”
  • “surmounted with the lobed throne engraved in Arabic and topped with ring hook”

Documentation and Dimensions

The auction description notes the reverse is engraved with symbols of the zodiac; this area is not visible in the provided photographic record.

The overall physical dimensions are catalogued as 7.5 inches high by 5.5 inches wide.

Evidence for this section
  • “the reverse engraved with symbols of the zodiac”
  • “7.5"h x 5.5"w”

Open research questions

  • What is the actual elemental composition of the object given the conflicting 'brass' and 'bronze' designations?
  • Are the Arabic inscriptions on the throne legible to confirm specific geographic or chronological origins?
  • Can the zodiac symbols on the reverse be documented for comparative stylistic analysis?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Islamic Engraved Brass Astrolabe
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Attributed Date19th c.“19th c., possibly Iran”
Attributed OriginPossibly Iran“possibly Iran”
MaterialNatural patinated bronze“natural patinated bronze”
Dimensions7.5"h x 5.5"w“7.5"h x 5.5"w”
Throne EngravingEngraved in Arabic“surmounted with the lobed throne engraved in Arabic and topped with ring hook”
Reverse EngravingSymbols of the zodiac“the reverse engraved with symbols of the zodiac”
ProvenanceA Private Collection: 30 East 81st Street, NYC“PROVENANCE: A Private Collection: 30 East 81st Street, NYC”

Visible details

  • Openwork rete with scrollwork shapes and pointers positioned over an underlying plate
  • Pivoting graduated alidade arm mounted with pin and raised sighting pinholes
  • Lobed throne at the top bearing inscribed script and a circular suspension ring

Research qualifications

  • Attribution to Iran is tentative ('possibly Iran') and maker is unspecified
  • Material is stated as 'brass' in the title but 'natural patinated bronze' in the body text
  • The reverse side described with zodiac symbols is not visible in the provided photo

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

Consulted source

Islamic engraved brass astrolabe sold at auction on 18th May | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 8585af9833

Terms in this record

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

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