Astronomical instrument - Brass
04
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€ 1
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Selected by Elena Napoleone
Holds a bachelor's degree in history of art and architecture, with 12 years of experience in decorative arts.
Estimate € 120 - € 180
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Brass Nocturlábio de Ponteiro reproduction (2000–2010) by the Instituto Hidrográfico, Portugal, weighing 530 g with dimensions 145 × 100 mm (depth 1 cm, height 14.5 cm, width 10 cm).
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Nocturlábio de Ponteiro — Scientific Reconstruction, Hydrographic Institute (Portuguese Navy)
Rare scientific reconstruction of a pointer nocturlábio, a nautical instrument from the 16th century used to determine nighttime hours through observation of the North Star and Kochab.
Historical context and authorship
This piece was developed within applied historical research, with study attributed to A. Pereira de Miranda and technical execution by Sousa Machado, under the auspices of the Hydrographic Institute — the official Portuguese Navy body dedicated to nautical science and technology.
Construction and operation
Made of high-quality brass, the instrument features articulated concentric discs and a moving pointer, enabling functional reading of the hours according to the historical astronomical method. The engraving is precise and consistent with specialized technical production, reflecting a didactic and scientific character that clearly sets it apart from decorative commercial replicas.
Presentation
Exemplar housed in its original presentation case, accompanied by the instruction sheet for using nocturlábios.
Characteristics
Material: engraved brass
System: rotating discs with pointer
Weight: 530 g
Dimensions: 145 × 100 mm
Origin: Hydrographic Institute (Portugal)
Authorship: A. Pereira de Miranda (study) / Sousa Machado (execution)
Presentation and provenance
Exemplar housed in its original presentation case, identified with an institutional catalog label ("Nocturlábio No. 1"). Accompanies the instruction sheet "Rules of the Évora Regimen (1519), Declaration for Knowledge when it is Midnight by the North Star", printed at the Hydrographic Institute, as indicated in the document itself.
Rarity note
Item linked to an institutional production of limited character, with printed identification and supporting documentation by the Hydrographic Institute. Rarely available on the market for scientific and nautical instrument collectors.
Nocturlábio de Ponteiro — Scientific Reconstruction, Hydrographic Institute (Portuguese Navy)
Rare scientific reconstruction of a pointer nocturlábio, a nautical instrument from the 16th century used to determine nighttime hours through observation of the North Star and Kochab.
Historical context and authorship
This piece was developed within applied historical research, with study attributed to A. Pereira de Miranda and technical execution by Sousa Machado, under the auspices of the Hydrographic Institute — the official Portuguese Navy body dedicated to nautical science and technology.
Construction and operation
Made of high-quality brass, the instrument features articulated concentric discs and a moving pointer, enabling functional reading of the hours according to the historical astronomical method. The engraving is precise and consistent with specialized technical production, reflecting a didactic and scientific character that clearly sets it apart from decorative commercial replicas.
Presentation
Exemplar housed in its original presentation case, accompanied by the instruction sheet for using nocturlábios.
Characteristics
Material: engraved brass
System: rotating discs with pointer
Weight: 530 g
Dimensions: 145 × 100 mm
Origin: Hydrographic Institute (Portugal)
Authorship: A. Pereira de Miranda (study) / Sousa Machado (execution)
Presentation and provenance
Exemplar housed in its original presentation case, identified with an institutional catalog label ("Nocturlábio No. 1"). Accompanies the instruction sheet "Rules of the Évora Regimen (1519), Declaration for Knowledge when it is Midnight by the North Star", printed at the Hydrographic Institute, as indicated in the document itself.
Rarity note
Item linked to an institutional production of limited character, with printed identification and supporting documentation by the Hydrographic Institute. Rarely available on the market for scientific and nautical instrument collectors.
Details
Era
After 2000
Country of origin
Portugal
Material
Brass
Condition
As new - unused
Height
14.5 cm
Width
10 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
530 g
Estimated period
2000-2010
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