A Brass Astrolabe, by Diya al-Din al-Lahuri, India, Dated 1069 Hijra/A.D. 1658-1659

Brief description in Brieux & Maddison, Répertoire, in preparation.
International Instrument Checklist no. 4352

Rubbing and patination to the surface, overall good condition, 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."

inscriptions
'amal aqall al-'ibad diya' u (sic.) al-din muhammad / ibn qa'im muhammad ibn molla 'isa / ibn shaykh alahdad (sic.) [allah-dad] homayuni ostorlabi / lahori fi sana 1069 hijri ghst

"The work of the smaller of [all the] servants (of God) Diya' al-Din Muhammad son of Qa'im Muhammad son of Molla 'Isa son of Shaykh Alahdad (sic.) [Allah-dad], the Royal Astrolabe [maker] of Lahore in the year 1069 ghst (1000+60+9=1069/ (1657-8)"

On the edge:
ibn muhammad taqi monajjim muhammad reza monajjem

"The son of Muhammad Taqi Astrologer, Muhammad Reza Astrologer"

The throne is elegantly worked à jour with a flower in the centre. The scale on the outer rim is divided and labelled for each 5° and subdivided for each 1°. The rete, is elegantly worked with floral designs, and there are named pointers for about 50 stars.

There are four plates with astrolabic markings for latitudes 22° , 25°, 32°, 34°, 36°, 38° and 66.5° (for celestial coordinate conversion and for testing the accuracy of the rete), as well as a set of horizons. The mater is engraved with a gazetteer showing the longitudes and latitudes of a series of localities.

The upper part of the back bears two altitude scales divided and labelled for each 5° and subdivided for each 1°. There is a trigonometric quadrant with horizontal parallels for each 1°, dotted for each 5°, and a solar quadrant with curves displaying the meridian altitude of the sun at latitudes 27° and 32°. In the lower half, there is a double square as well as scales on the rim showing shadows for bases 7 and 12, in addition to the standard astrological tables and scales.

The inscription below the horizontal diameter on the back translates: "The work of the least of the slaves (of God) Diya' al-Din Muhammad ibn Qa'im Muhammad ibn mulla 'Isa ibn shaykh Allah-Dad (written al-h-d-'-d) Humayuni Asturlabi Lahuri in the year 1069 of the Hijra [=1658/59]." The year number is written in both Hindu-Arabic numerals and Arabic alphanumerical notation (gh-s-t). On the rim is an owner's mark reading "Ibn Muhammad Taqi munajjim Muhammad Rida munajjim", and the meaning: "(Property of) Muhammad Rida the astronomer, son of Muhammad Taqi the astronomer". Neither of these men has been identified.