- 209
A Qibla-indicator with Compass, Persia, Probably 18th Century
Estimate
8,000 - 10,000 GBP
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Description
Condition
handle has been added, solder on hinge has come away, interior quite rubbed, needle rusted, as viewed
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
This instrument bears a handle such as one might expect on a pocket-watch. Close to 100 localities are presented, together with their qibla-values. The frame of the compass inside the box is marked with the qiblas of various localities. There is a triangular vane that can be set up to serve as a gnomon and the hours are marked on the outside of the circular scale with numeral forms that are rather unusual, differing slightly from those on other known Iranian instruments of this period.
Bibliography: On Ottoman watches see King, World-Maps Centred on Mecca, pp. 285-288, and on the number-forms used on Iranian sundials (and European imports for the Iranian market) see ibid., pp. 211 and 284-289.