A FRENCH GILT BRASS AND RED MARBLE ASTROLABE

A FRENCH GILT BRASS AND RED MARBLE ASTROLABE

BY HOUR LAVIGNE PARIS, C.1985

of octagonal shape, the glass domed top with various dials for months, seasons, the zodiac and an outer ring of Roman numerals, with dragon hands, above a clock dial with Roman numerals, signed 'Henry Lavigne a Paris depuis 1848', a barometer and two other dials interspaced with brass panels engraved with eastern swords and a kanjar, with a presentation plaque, inscribed 'Presented to General J. P. Watts by Palace Office Sultanate of Oman on 30th July 1987', the underside stamped 'France 1439 84'

17.5cm high, 31cm wide

Catalogue Note

Lieutenant General Sir John Peter Barry Condliffe Watts KBE CB MC was a British Army officer who became Chief of Defence Staff for the Sultan of Oman's Armed Forces.