Astronomical compendium

Astronomical compendium Engraved brass, gilt, clear glass, blued compass needle. Rectangular, hinged case. Centrally pierced lid with an attached pointer inscribed ‘VRSA MAIOR’; beneath it, a serrated disc with the scales of a nocturnal and an equatorial sundial, additionally decorated with finely engraved cloud bands and stars. On the inner lid, a lunar dial, with the sun and moon in the spandrels; engraved around the edge: ‘CIRCVLIS AEQVINOCTIALIS’, ‘GRADUS ELEVATI POLI’ and ‘1593’. The compass is set into the base, in front of it an engraved coat of arms and the name ‘G DE AGELIS’, together with the motto ‘EN DIEV MON ESPOIR’. On the base, a two-column table listing the latitudes of 16 European cities, above the engraving ‘ELEVATI POLI GRADI 52’. Pole pointer missing, thread replaced, gilding rubbed in places. Height 2.4, width 5.5, depth 7.6 cm. Attributed to Antwerp, 1593.

Estimate:£8,371.86

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