Astrolabe - the little-known GPS of Ancient Times
SKU: 4948
You may not have heard of an astrolabe, but it remains the most used multipurpose astronomical instrument in history. Earliest examples date from around 200BC, but they rose to prominence in the Middle East and Europe in the Middle Ages. Essentially, it’s an elaborate inclinometer-cum-slide rule, used to measure the altitude above the horizon of a celestial body. It can be used to identify stars or planets, to determine local latitude, to survey, and even determine your horoscope. The arrival, in the 17th-18th centuries, of accurate sextants and reliable portable chronometers rendered the astrolabe obsolete for navigation at sea, but it remains a fascinating and little-understood instrument. Our replica, in polished brass, sits in a wooden plinth and stands 7" tall.
For in-stock items despatched from our own warehouse, we offer three UK delivery options:
Standard UK Delivery: £4.99. On this service, goods will usually arrive within 14 days of your order reaching us, and often in less than 10. (Please remember that if you posted your order it may have taken up to five days to get here).
3-Day Delivery: £6.99. This is a three-working-day (not Saturday, Sunday, or Bank Holidays) service for UK mainland and Ulster addresses, provided that you order before 1pm. Orders received after 1pm will be processed on the next working day, so take one day longer to arrive. If you require an item to be personalised, your order will be delayed by one working day.
Express Delivery: £9.99. This is a next-working-day (not Saturday, Sunday, or Bank Holidays) service for UK mainland and Ulster addresses, provided that you order before 1pm. Orders received after 1pm will be processed on the next working day, so take one day longer to arrive. Service to Scotland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Wight and other UK Islands takes two days. If you require an item to be personalised, your order will take an additional working day. Your package will arrive between 9am and 6pm (may be up to 8pm), and must be signed for on receipt, so please give an address where there will be somebody available to take delivery (perhaps a neighbour/friend, or your workplace if your employer permits this).
For items despatched by third party suppliers
Admiralty chart prints and aircraft models/cufflinks made from original materials are sent to you directly from the makers, and are offered on a Standard delivery service only - please allow 7-10 days. These items are marked with a 7-10 day delivery icon below.
Delivery Information (Overseas)
We are currently unable to deliver to EU addresses due to the high and unpredictable costs, customs charges, and courier handling fees. Our other overseas delivery charges (standard service only) are:
Channel Islands (7-10 Days), £20
Rest of World. From about £50, depending on what you order. Please phone on +44 1932 235550 or e-mail us on mailorder@nauticalia.com for a quote. Outside Europe, most orders arrive within 21 days.
VAT (sales tax) will be deducted from the listed price of your goods where applicable for customers outside the UK, including those from the Channel Islands.
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