A BRASS ASTROLABE, QAJAR IRAN, 19TH CENTURY

A BRASS ASTROLABE
QAJAR IRAN, 19TH CENTURY
The mater engraved with concentric circles with inscriptions in naskh, the lobed throne decorated with an Arabic inscription in thuluth on a a scrolling floral ground, suspension shackle above, the rim graduated 0-360° by 1° with larger markings every 5°, with five plates all with inscriptions in naskh, the rete with named star points around a central bird, the reverse engraved with the signs of the zodiac, alidade engraved with floral scrolls, with pin mounted with a bird
18in. (45.7cm.) high including shackle