A Rare Charles Whitwell Gilt Brass Astronomical Compendium, English, dated 1608,
signed C Whitwell,
the circular compendium with suspension loop, upper outer face: nocturnal with calendar scale, rotating hour scale XII -XII -XII, central volvelle with pointer in line with slot cut between two holes for sighting the Pole Star to Ursa Minor, inner lid with perpetual calendar and the date 1608, the hinge mounted with a self erecting equatorial dial with hour ring calibrated XII-XII-XII and with maker's signature, shaped gnomon pivoted at the centre, printed and hand coloured paper compass rose, glass cover and compass needle missing, outer lower face with lunar calendar, volvelle calibrated in days and cut-out showing moon phase,
4/5in x 3 1/3 in x 2 1/2in (2cm x 8 1/2cm x 6 1/2cm) when closed
Footnotes:
Provenance:
Mellors & Kirk Auctioneers, Nottingham, 27 February 2009, Lot 1168.
Private collection.

Charles Whitwell was apprenticed to Augustine Ryther in the Grocers' Company in 1582 and freed in 1590. At the time this instrument was made he had a workshop next to St Clement Danes Church in the Strand, London until his death in 1590. He was a maker of astronomical and surveying instruments, sundial and compendia as well as engraving maps and book plates.

Loss of some gilding to upper and lower faces due to rubbing, lacking compass needle and glass cover, otherwise complete and in good condition for its age.