Casgliadau Arlein

Indo-Persian astronomer's astrolabe, c.1651-1652. Circular brass astrolabe with engraved plate showing various scales surrounded by engraved rim showing hours of day, days of year and signs of the Zodiac. Above this base and with in outer rim - a rotating ornamental 'rete' or pierced metalwork engraved with the fixed stars and celestial circles. Reverse has an 'alidade' or sight rule with engravings and two large and two small pinhole sights. Base also engraved with geometrical half square and right angled rectangular grid. In top left hand corner again there are engravings around rim of plate. Suspended by a solid mount and then a thumb-ring. Within thumb-ring a pale green silk lanyard. All inscriptions are arabic. Contained in a leather interlocking case (40.342/6 (2))