prismatic astrolabe attachment
Date: circa 1963
Inventory Number: 2003-1-0137
Classification: Theodolite
Attributed to: Wild Heerbrugg Ltd. (1921 - 1989)
Attributed to: Kern & Company, AG (1819 - 1988)
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
object: 11.3 × 8.8 × 10 cm (4 7/16 × 3 7/16 × 3 15/16 in.)
case: 13.6 × 17 × 14.4 cm (5 3/8 × 6 11/16 × 5 11/16 in.)
Accessories: carrying case; dust cap; eyepiece
Description:
Instrument made to fit on a 70 mm telescope. Artificial horizon (most likely mercury) and very accurate beam splitting prism for astronomical delineations of time or position. It has a circular bubble level attached on the side of the artificial horizon. The prism is mounted on three leveling spring screws. It is stored in a carrying case when not in use.
The mercury pool is an extremely shallow concave copper surface which provides a "beach" for damping vibration.
The mercury pool is an extremely shallow concave copper surface which provides a "beach" for damping vibration.
Signedunsigned
Inscribedon case: MADE IN / SWITZERLAND
on dust cap: MADE IN SWITZERLAND
on dust cap: MADE IN SWITZERLAND
FunctionThis device, when attached to a telescope (or theodolite) is used to determine the altitude of stars, and hence ascertain time measurements and find the longitude and latitude of a location.
For more information, see the following website.
For more information, see the following website.
Curatorial RemarksThis instrument could most likely be attributed to either one of these two companies.