Measurements:

Maximum 13 1/4" H x 13 1/4" W                       Weight 8 1/2 pounds

 

Markings:

Obverse: Nautisk Ustrolab                         Reverse: Iver C. Weilbach & Co.

                Unno 1600                                                Golver + Grarrer 

 

 

Presented is a mariner's astrolabe made by Iver C. Weilbach for display in the Danish Maritime Museum in the Kronborg Castle in Helsingor. See http://www.maritime-museum.dk/besoegos/default.asp 

 

Because of the scarcity of early navigation instruments it is not uncommon to find quality reproductions used by museums. In the case of Mariner's Astrolabes, there are only 39 originals known to exist. This one is either a deaccession from the Kronborg or is a duplicate of the one  that was commissioned by them in 1935.

 

 

The maker, Weilbach, is a famous Danish marine instrument company that commenced operations in 1755 making them one of the oldest companies in Denmark. They made all types of marine navigation instruments including sextants, compasses, but are best known for their ship's binnacles. They continue in business today as a publisher and distributor of charts.

 

 

THE MARINER'S ASTROLABE: Pictured at left is the St. Andrews astrolab, dated 1616. It is one of the 39 originals, known to exist, and is was one of the very few made in England. It is very large and weighs 17 pounds. Note the ballast at the bottom.

This form of astrolabe was modified for use at sea. It was a  variation of larger, more cumbersome planispheric astrolabes that were unsuitable for use in that environment. They were too light and unstable, and their solid design made them unsteady in the wind. Navigators began to carry modified versions starting around 1480, that are referred to as `Mariners Astrolabes'. They are typically cast from bronze or brass, and have open sections to reduce wind resistance. Weight may be added to the bottom to add additional stability. The design made for more precise navigational measurements.

 

The device enabled sailors to travel in an East -West direction away from the sight of land by using the North Star to determine Latitude. The navigator would sight the North star with the movable arm on the astrolabe, the Alidade, and measure the angle of its altitude above the horizon, thereby determining the ship's latitudinal position.

 

A fine quality recreation with excellent provenance from a known maker and museum makes this a worthwhile collectible

International buyers welcome, but should inquire first.  We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

 

OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned within five days of receipt in its original packaging if without damage. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization from us for the return is required. Shipping charges are  included in this offer if an error is due to our fault.

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