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Object Catalogue

Individual objects described by auction houses, specialist dealers and collection catalogues. Attribution, dates and specifications remain source-reported unless independently established; rights clearance is pending.

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Browse makers and their key pieces · 'Abd al-'Ali profile

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Front view of the astrolabe showing the rete, replacement horse, and engraved throne.

Tool · Astrolabe

Astrolabe by 'Abd al-'Alī

This brass astrolabe (inventory 36247) is an early 18th-century Persian instrument presented to the University of Oxford by J. A. Billmeir in 1957. Signed by the maker 'Abd al-'Alī, the instrument features an engraved Indo-Persian style throne with an integrated base and a circular, round cross-section ring with an omega-type shackle. The front mater is embossed with a Qur'anic verse. The back contains 16 distinct astronomical scales, including those for altitude, azimuth of Qibla, sine/cosine, and shadow squares. The instrument includes four plates with latitudes between 22° and 39°. The rete is a replacement lacking the central section, necessitating a custom-made, elongated pin and horse for attachment. The alidade is also a replacement. The instrument retains a gazetteer in the womb listing coordinates for 27 cities.

Full description

www.mhs.ox.ac.uk · 36247

Front view of the brass astrolabe (inventory 40330) showing the rete and throne.

Tool · Astrolabe

Brass Astrolabe by 'Abd al-'Ali

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.

Full description

www.mhs.ox.ac.uk · 40330

Full view of the astrolabe showing the rete, mater, and throne details.

Tool · Astrolabe

Astrolabe signed by 'Abd al-'Ali

This brass astrolabe is identified by the inventory number 37940 and attributed to the maker 'Abd al-'Ali, an individual associated with the Isfahan group of instrument makers during the first decades of the 18th century. The instrument features a throne of the engraved Indo-Persian type and an omega-shaped shackle. The rete is of the foliate type and exhibits a symmetrical layout that deviates from actual astronomical star positions. The back of the instrument contains 11 scales, including altitude, sine/cosine, and zodiacal signs, which are described as incorrect. The piece includes three plates with latitudes between 32 and 38 degrees and a double-ended alidade featuring non-functional, engraved abdjad numerals. The astrolabe was presented to the History of Science Museum by J. A. Billmeir in 1957.

Full description