History of Science & Technology, Including the Nobel Prize and Papers of Richard P. Feynman

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Lot 22
  • 22

DELICATE 16TH CENTURY MINIATURE GILT BRASS ARMILLARY SPHERE, ATTRIBUTED TO SCHISSLER

Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 USD
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Description

  • Unsigned, but attributed to Christoph Schissler of Augsburg, second half of the 16th century. 
Gilt brass with traces of vermillion colouring in the stamping. 55 mm in diameter. The rings for the arctic and antarctic circles, the equator and tropics of Cancer and Capricorn are named in Latin as are the solstitial and equinoctial colures. The ecpliptic/zodiac circle is divided on both sides in degrees for each sign. Two minor repairs, mounted on a later brass stand. 

Literature

The Clockwork of the Heavens. An Exhibition of Astronomical Clocks, Watches, and Allied Scientific Instruments. London, 1973. Item 16. 

Catalogue Note

This delicate miniature armillary sphere likely began its life as part of a astronomical clock or other large instrument. Christoph Schissler was one of the most renowned instrument makers of his day, and was known for the beauty and precision of his instruments. His oeuvre included the highest quality armillary spheres, astrolabes, quadrants, sundials, astronomical compendia, and celestial & terrestrial globes. Only 100 or so instruments signed or attributed to him are still known exist.