I know very little about the instrument. I showed it to some people and checked on the internet. And that is what I was told: Rare condition – Outstanding brass Bedouin Persian Astrolabe, being round 5 3/4″ in diameter, 3/4″ high, weights – 16 ounce (solid heavy), engraved letters by the maker, with zodiac engraving all around the circle over the front and signs on the back of this instrument. There is a working compass in the instrument. It was the chief navigational instrument until the invention of the compass and sextant. Its many uses included locating and predicting the positions of the sun, moon, planets and stars; determining local time given the local longitude and vice-versa; surveying, and triangulation. Astrologers of European nations used astrolabes to construct horoscopes. In the Islamic world, they are and were used primarily for astronomical studies. Although the astrolabe has origins traced back over 1,500 years, it was highly developed in the Islamic world by 800 and was introduced to Europe from Islamic Spain (Andalusia) in the early 12th century. It was the most popular astronomical instrument until about 1650, when it was replaced by more specialized and accurate instruments. Astrolabes are still appreciated for their unique capabilities and their value for astronomy education. An astrolabe (Greek: astrolabos, “star-taker”)[1] is an elaborate inclinometer, historically used by astronomers, navigators, and astrologers. Its many uses include locating and predicting the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars, determining local time given local latitude and vice-versa, surveying, triangulation, and to cast horoscopes. It was used in classical antiquity, the Islamic Golden Age, the European Middle Ages and Renaissance for all these purposes. In the Islamic world, it was also used to calculate the Qibla and to find the times for Salat, prayers. I cannot guaranty the accuracy of the statements – so please – investigate yourself and check by yourself and if you need -I will send you additional pictures per your request. See my other listings for similar items. Please see pictures ask questions read description carefully. I will gladly provide additional pictures and answer your questions to the best of my ability. I provide detailed and enlarged pictures. Pictures are an integral part of the description and condition of the item. I research, compare, evaluate, describe and seek advice when necessary to make every effort to provide accurate description and condition of the item. Unless stated – all items were previously owned and used or are vintage/antiques and might have some imperfections such as minor – scratches, trim wear, light staining and/or minor crazing, minor marks or scuffs. Anything beyond that will be in the description. Most items I sell are antique, vintage and used. I do not sell on approval, testing, measuring, fitting. Track Page Views With. Auctiva’s FREE Counter. The item “ANTIQUE RARE Brass PERSIAN ASTROLABE ASTRONOMY TRAVEL INSTRUMENT Very Good Cond” is in sale since Saturday, January 5, 2019. This item is in the category “Antiques\Asian Antiques\Middle East”. The seller is “dsmu3b8u” and is located in Woodland Hills, California. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Primary Material: Brass
- 5 3/4 Inch diameter: 3/4″ tall, 1 pound weight
- Age: Unknown
- Type: Persian Astrolab
- Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
- Region of Origin: Asia Middle East
- Color: Brass