Description:

Lot 103. A BRASS ASTROLABE, QAJAR IRAN, 19TH CENTURY

This brass astrolabe is a refined scientific instrument from Qajar Iran, dating to the 19th century.
The piece features an elaborately engraved rete (star map) with openwork tracery, showing celestial coordinates and Arabic inscriptions identifying the principal stars and zodiac divisions. Beneath it are several interchangeable latitude plates (tympans), engraved with stereographic projections for different cities within the Islamic world.

The mater (body) bears scale markings and Qibla calculations, while the reverse includes sine and tangent scales used for trigonometric and astronomical computation. The suspension ring, throne, and alidade are intact, attesting to its preservation and technical integrity.

This instrument exemplifies the enduring scholarly traditions of Persian astronomers who maintained and elaborated upon classical Islamic astronomical science during the Qajar era.

Dimensions: Height 18 cm
Weight: 630 g

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November 7, 2025 1:00 PM GMT
London, United Kingdom

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