Description:

Western Europe, France, ca. late 19th to early 20th century A brass astrolabe, circular in form with a rotating alidade (sighting rule) and suspension ring. The face is inscribed with zodiacal and calendrical scales, marked in French with the months, signs of the zodiac, and declination grids for solar and stellar calculations. The central rete and graduated arcs bear inscriptions including Ombre Droite ("direct shadow"), Declinaison Septentrionale / Meridionale, and the names of zodiac constellations such as Vierge, Balance, Poissons, and Cancer. These markings reference the geometric projections used to determine celestial positions and solar time. Astrolabes of this type were both scientific and didactic instruments, used to demonstrate astronomical principles, measure altitude, and chart the heavens. This example captures the enduring fascination with early celestial navigation and mathematical craftsmanship during the 19th century's revival of classical scientific forms. Size: 5.8" L x 4" W (14.7 cm x 10.2 cm)

Provenance: ex-private collection, Fairhaven, Massachusetts, USA, collected from 2010 to 2015

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#199135

  • Condition: Patina and rubbing to surface, otherwise intact and good condition.

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November 21, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000