GILT BRASS ASTRONOMICAL COMPENDIUM BY MARCUS PURMAN, GERMANY, 1594

Rectangular gilt brass box with hinged lid (54 x 40 x 12 mm), engraved on all faces. Underside engraved with tables of longitude and signs of the zodiac "Tabula longitutinis die et in gressus solis in xii signa zodiacus", lid with rotating disc divided in 24 equal parts for each hour of the day labelled "Index Dierum Altatis Luna", rotating to reveal the phases of the moon. Inner lid with Horary volvelle with central eight-point wind rose, surrounded by open border stamped with the maker's name at one end, and the name "VIATORIUM" and date of the instrument at the other end. Lower lid with diagram for a horizontal dial with half-our divided hour lines surrounding an inset compass. Plummet holder shaped and engraved as two monstrous fish, which also served as a support for the upper end of a strong gnomon (lacking here). Upper lid and edges decorated with engraved strapwork and stylised leaf decoration. 

See inventory No. 42672 "Astronomical Compendium by Marcus Purman, German, 1597" at the Oxford Museum of the History of Science.

A very fine astronomical compendium, an ingenious instrument that contained numerous devices used to perform astronomical calculations and tell time. The name of this particular instrument, "Viatorium" means "Traveler's Timepiece", and indeed, small devices such as this were meant to aid the traveler in orienting themselves and telling the time while remaining lightweight and portable. The gilt decoration and elaborate engraving were intended to demonstrate social status of the owner, who in this case, was clearly a wealthy and important person.