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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Heilbronn, Not recorded · c. 1540–1619

Johann Anton Linden

Partially verified

Maker of astronomical instruments and gold/silver objects

Life & work

Johann Anton Linden was a gold and silversmith based in Heilbronn who was likely born around 1540.

His professional expertise extended beyond precious metals to the construction of scientific instruments, for which he gained significant recognition. He was married to Barbara Bräunlin, with whom he had at least three children, including a son who also became a goldsmith in Nuremberg. Linden died in his home city of Heilbronn on October 28, 1619.

The fuller biography summarises the open references listed under Sources; each statement was checked against the cited passage. Confirm key dates in period documents before relying on them.

Training, contributions & innovations

  • Linden translated Johannes Stöffler's Latin treatise on the astrolabe into German, which survives today as an illustrated manuscript copy.

Documented works

  • An astronomical compendium produced by Linden in 1596 for Christoph Leibfried is preserved in the British Museum.
  • A silver beaker attributed to his workshop is currently exhibited at the Haus der Stadtgeschichte in Heilbronn.

Collecting significance

The catalogued pieces listed on this page show the kinds of objects auction houses, dealers and museums attribute to this maker; each attribution is the source's own.

Firms, key models & movements

No firm, model or movement in this encyclopedia is yet recorded under this maker's name.

In the object catalogue

2 catalogued objects are recorded under Johann Anton Linden. Attributions are as given by each source and are not independent authentication.

  • The front of the astrolabe, displaying the rete, limb scales, and throne assembly.
  • Front view of the gilt brass astrolabe showing the rete, star pointers, and ecliptic markings.

Sources & references

  1. Epact: Astronomical Compendium signed by Johann Anton Linden, dated 1596, History of Science Museum, Oxford, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  2. Hans Antoni Linden, Wikipedia (German), retrieved 2026-11-03 (text CC BY-SA 4.0)
  3. Linden, Hans Antoni, Stadtarchiv Heilbronn, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.