Astrolabe from Maghreb made in the 18th century

Astrolabe in brass wrote in Kufic Maghreb.

The throne is typical of maroccan astrolabes with a hole.

The mater is engraved inside with a plate for latitude, far North, of 75° (arcs divided every 5°). The limb is graduated every 5° and subdivided to 1°.

The rete contains 26 stars (13/13) with a missing pointer : each small hole at the base of the index of stars should contain a small silver button. 4 orientation points. Æ = 11.9 cm – Æ ecliptic =  8.2 cm.

Date of manufacture according to the position of three stars: ~ 1760/80.

Containing six plates inside :

- Plate 1 : for the latitudes of ~ 30° and ~ 28°

- Plate 2 : for the latitudes of 90° (Pôle) and 0° (Equator) for the horizons

- Plate 3 : for the latitudes of ~ 36° and ~ 35°

- Plate 4 : for the latitudes of ~ 22,5° and ~ 25°

- Plate 5 : for the latitudes of ~ 42° and ~ 34°

- Plate 6 : for the latitudes of ~ 35,5° and ~ 33°

Alidade (back) : iin brass and thick, it has two large sights, each provided with one hole.

Mater’s diameter : 13.7 cm – thickness: 9 mm

Datable circa 1760/80.

 

SOLD TO AN INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM

 

18th century Maghreb brass astrolabe.

18th century Maghreb brass astrolabe.

18th century Maghreb brass astrolabe.

18th century Maghreb brass astrolabe.