Exceptional Antique Islamic Astrolabe Brass

Description

Everything ships via priority mail with insurance for full value.  Yes, we will combine ship whenever and wherever possible.
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Here is a beautiful antique astrolabe from the Middle East. It measures 7-7/8 inches overall from the bottom to the top of the hanger ring, and is 4-1/2 inches wide. It comes with one extra disk inside. It is beautifully engraved with Arabic numbering and lettering, and drawn pictures of the zodiac and other purely decorative designs. The piece that is reticulated, which I will call the cover, is all hand cut, and in addition to the traditional globe shapes, has 6 birds and a pot of flowers mixed into the utilitarian time keeper. It also has a floral vine engraved all around the outer edge, and in the very center of the the inside of the bottom holder piece, there is what can only be called a whimsical decoration of birds and flowers circling a dense floral field. The incredible hand detailed engraving is accented with black enamel-like material, similar to fine Spanish damascene work. There is some wear to the black enamel. Every piece in this astrolabe is handmade, from the most intricate engraving down to the simple pin that sets in the center. It has a fabulous patina, and does not look like it was ever polished. I am not sure if it is signed because I cannot read Arabic, but I did notice an (
X)
symbol on one side that might be a maker's mark (See last photo).  I filled the photo limit but will be happy to send more pictures if you need them.
Winning bidder will receive the actual item pictured.
Please review the photos for a complete  description.
We are always cleaning out houses that contain some great vintage and antique items.  Our inventory is constantly changing. We might have fine China, Sterling Silver and Toys one week, and Designer Clothing, Jewelry, fine Watches, or Militaria the next, so please check my other listings, and make sure you add me to your favorite sellers lists.
We do not collect these items, and we are NOT experts. We appreciate any information you may have to assist us in identifying, or toward providing a more accurate description, but we do require some authority for the information.  We provide a lot of photos, but please ask questions if you have them.
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General Terms & Conditions:
Important Shipping information:
We ship via priority mail and use priority mail boxes
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We package in the highest grade materials and each piece is insured for full value, which is included in the shipping estimate. We also offer Federal Express Home Delivery, parcel post or first class mail
if you ask
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Insurance is included in shipping cost.
Payment is expected within 3 days of close of auction. Shipments are generally made within 2 days of receipt of payment.
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Part of an estate box lot purchase of various brass items.  Recently polished, but some of the old tarnish is very stubborn and still remains.  I am not sure if the silver is sterling or if it is plated (it definitely tarnishes!) - but it is beautiful, along with the pink/rosy copper colored accents.  Very ornate, including the script/calligraphy on the top. The wood lining (which smells like an old spice drawer) has some inlay accents that are somehwat crooked, but a nice touch.  With the wood lining, I assume this may have been used to store spices, tea leaves or tobacco? There is a hasp on the front that has a pivoting hook that turns left or right to secure it.  About 3 3/8" x 2 1/8" (measured from the bottom) and about 2" high.  It feels heavy for it's size, but it actually only weighs about 10 ounces.  Please open all photos in full/enlarged size as they provide accurate depiction.  You will notice the tarnish that remains throughout in all of the photos.  NOTE:
Photo 9 - a good close-up example of tarnish
Photo 10 - I didn't clean/polish the interior rim (other than with a damp cloth) - you can see the age/patina/oxidation/verdi-gris, etc.
Photo 11 - Size/scale reference shown next to a standard size of canned beans and dollar bill.