Antique Astrolabe , in brass with sundial and integrated compass

Scientific, religious, traditional and devotional instrument 

The surface is finely engraved by hand with characters in Arabic/Persian alphabet, astrological diagrams and floral motifs.

It was mainly used to calculate the hours of daily 

It has a circular dial finely engraved with the signs of the zodiac and hours expressed in alphabetical digits (abjad).

In the center there is a folding gnome that serves to project the shadow to determine the local time of day.

The lower circular opening in the shape of a star/flower encloses a magnetic compass (protected by a glass)

Essential for orientation

The back is filled with hand inscriptions in Arabic/Persian calligraphy that show lists of cities (mainly Middle Eastern)


Most of these tools have a classic round shape


The rectangular plate structure makes this specimen particularly rare


Good used and working condition,great patina

in the attached photos every reference to the conditions measures and weight