Lot 75: A FINE QAJAR ENGRAVED BRASS ASTROLABE, PERSIA, 19TH CENTURY

Of circular form, finely cast and engraved in brass, the instrument is surmounted by an ornate lobed suspension bracket with a hinged ring. The mater encloses a series of interchangeable plates (tympans), each inscribed with concentric circles and grids for different latitudes, enabling astronomical calculations. The rete is intricately cut with scrolling pointers marking principal stars, revolving around a central axis secured by a decorated pin and alidade. The front is engraved with concentric scales of degrees and zodiacal signs, the inscriptions in elegant nastaliq script, while the reverse is filled with a rich grid of calendrical and  astrological tables. 

L: 15cm