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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Buchholz, Straubing, Regensburg, Prague, Germany · fl. 16th century, died before 1600

Josua Habermel

Partially verified

Maker of scientific instruments, sundials, and topographic equipment

Life & work

Josua Habermel was a German craftsman whose professional career spanned the latter half of the 16th century.

Early records indicate he worked in Buchholz and Straubing, where he created instruments for the Bavarian court and Wilhelm V. He later settled in Regensburg around 1576 before moving to Prague by 1590, where he potentially collaborated with the noted instrument maker Erasmus Habermel.

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.

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 Josua Habermel. Attributions are as given by each source and are not independent authentication.

  • The internal components of the astronomical compendium including the lunar volvelle, the equinoctial dial, and the central compass.
  • Gilt copper quadrant with pivoted alidade and sighting system.

Sources & references

  1. Museo Galileo - Josua Habermel, Museo Galileo, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  2. Museo Galileo - Gunner's level, Museo Galileo, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  3. Museo Galileo - Quadrant with Easter scale, Museo Galileo, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  4. Museo Galileo - Archipenzolo da bombardieri, Museo Galileo, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  5. Josua Habermel, Wikipedia (it), retrieved 2026-11-03 (text CC BY-SA 4.0)

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