Persian Astrolabe Value Guide

This 19th-century Persian astrolabe represents a pinnacle of Islamic scientific achievement, blending complex astronomical utility with exquisite brass craftsmanship. These instruments are highly collectible due to their dual nature as functional tools for celestial navigation and stunning examples of Persian decorative art.

What Is Persian Astrolabe Worth?

The typical price range for Persian Astrolabe is $350 - $450 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Completeness of the instrument, including the original throne, rete, tympans, and alidade.
• The precision and artistic quality of the engraved calligraphy and star maps.
• Overall condition of the brass, specifically the lack of heavy corrosion or structural warping.
• Historical provenance or signatures from known 19th-century Persian instrument makers.

How to Identify Persian Astrolabe?

• Examine the brass surface for intricate hand-engraved Arabic calligraphy and astronomical scales.
• Check for the presence of multiple interchangeable plates, known as tympans, designed for specific latitudes.
• Look for the 'rete', the ornate top plate with star pointers, which should rotate smoothly over the underlying plates.
• Verify the presence of the alidade on the reverse side, used for measuring the altitude of celestial bodies.

History of Persian Astrolabe

Astrolabes were ancient astronomical instruments used by astronomers, navigators, and astrologers. Their many uses include locating and predicting the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars; determining local time given local latitude and vice versa; and triangulation. Islamic astrolabes are known for their intricate designs and precise craftsmanship, often featuring Arabic calligraphy.