1560 A complex object like this would have demonstrated its owner's scientific knowledge. It is an automatic astrolabe, a flat map of the heavens. Driven by a clockwork mechanism, it shows the positions of the sun, moon and stars throughout the year. The mechanism is in the drum-shaped base and drives the astrolabe via a shaft inside the central column. On the reverse is a calendar. Makers mark 'M', France Spring driven with fusee, verge escapement, balance
aperture=f2.8 focal length: 60.0 mm exposure 1/80 sec ISO: 3200