Astrolabe: obverse

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The importance of this astrolabe lies in its Royal provenance and the astrological information it contains on the reverse. It was once believed to have been made for Queen Elizabet h on account of the inscribed royal arms flanked by 'ER' on the back of the instrument. However, recent research concludes that it was actually constructed for her half-brother, Edward VI. Only the throne, limb and back of this instrument survive - the rete, plates, alidade and rule have been discarded.Thomas Gemini Show more