[nb-NO]Details[nb-NO]

M-3

Armillary Sphere: Ptolemaic

This Ptolemaic Armillary Sphere was crafted in the late 16th century in Germany by an unknown maker. Made of brass, the sphere contains the typical rings of an armillary sphere, denoting the equator, the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, and the Arctic and Antarctic circles. The ecliptic band is divided every 30°, and every 1° is labeled with zodiacal symbols and names. The central earth in the middle of the sphere is made of ivory and contains outlines of the continents on it. There is a central slip ring on the ecliptic band that is pierced with a hole to transmit sunlight. There is also an hour circle divided into two 12-hour halves on the equatorial ring. The sphere is mounted in a cradle, and the horizon circle on the cradle is labeled with a zodiacal calendar, as well as an 8-point wind rose marked in Latin and German. The Latin civil calendar is also included, and is divided into days. The horizon circle is supported by two arms that attach to a turned gilt pedestal engraved with strapwork.

Unsigned.

brass, ivory

Germany

	Imperial(in)		Metric(cm)
Height			15.3
Width			10.5
Depth			10.5
Diameter
Circumference

	Imperial(in)		Metric(cm)
Height	9/16		1.4
Width	4 9/16		11.5
Depth	4 9/16		11.5
Diameter	4 9/16		11.5