Astronomical compendium by Nicolas Forfait

Astronomical compendium by Nicolas Forfait Engraved brass, gilt, clear glass, blued compass needle. Rectangular, hinged case. On the outer lid, a disc surrounded by concentric scales for an equatorial sundial and a nocturnal, with the Latin names of the signs of the zodiac and the names of the months; in the spandrels, finely engraved winged angel heads personifying the winds. The interior contains a compass and a table listing the latitudes of 24 European cities in two columns. Engraved between the hinges: ‘Nicolas Forfaict’. Loss and minor chip to the inner left side of the lid (pole pointer?), thread replaced. Height 1.4, width 7.1, depth 8 cm. Paris, late 16th / early 17th C.

Estimation:€6,000

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