Hartmann's Astrolabe -

Planispheric (Catholic or European) astrolabe, set for 50º North latitude. Stars and other features updated to make it functional. 

This beautiful astrolabe  is based on the work of  Georg Hartman a sixteenth-century astronomer from Nuremberg, Germany.

The astrolabe is an astronomical calculating device used from ancient times into the eighteenth century.

It's used by measuring the height of a star using the back of the instrument, and knowing the latitude, one could find the time of night and the position of other stars.

The openwork piece on the front, called the rete, is a star map of the northern sky. Pointers on the rete correspond to stars; the outermost circle is the Tropic of Capricorn, and the circle that is off-center represents the zodiac, the apparent annual motion of the sun. Engraved plates that fit below the rete have scales of altitude and azimuth (arc of the horizon) for specific latitudes. 

Crafted of brass with a wooden base this instrument comes complete with booklets on its use and historical context. The wooden base is ideal for placement of a commemorative plaque in recognition of achievement or an event.

Max Height:7.09"

Diameter: 5.91"

Thickness: 0.29"