Material Engraved and colored antler, brass, iron, glass, wood and paper
Dimensions 15 x 13 x 3.3 cm
Place of Creation Germany or Austria
Status Vetted

About the Work

Miner's compendium in engraved and colored antler, brass, iron, glass, wood and paper.


This compendium consists of a hinged wooden box revealing a set of 4 engraved antler instruments. The inside of the box is covered with polychrome vat paper. Two hinges and a brass hook open and close the box.


In order of arrangement in the box:

- A folding square, made of wood and antler, with two graduated arms joined by a brass hinge.

- A small movable antler ruler ending in a scalloped head engraved with two stylized heads.

- A compass consisting of a main wooden case covered with antler engraved with acanthus leaves in black and two scales in red.

- The protractor-shaped level, or measuring scale, is made from 3 pieces in antler.


This set, known as a “mine compendium”, was intended to carry out topographical surveys of a mine and it was used by mining engineers.


Nota: This compendium is an unusual object. Its interest is that it is complete with its main instruments and it is made in antler and very well engraved with a beautiful polychrome effect.

To our knowledge, this is the only known example of its type.


Dimensions :

- Box: 15 cm x 13 cm x 3,3 cm.

- Protractor level: 14,8 cm x 9 cm.

- Compass: 12 x 7,9 x 2 cm.

- Small graduated ruler: 13,7 x 4,1 x 0,5 cm.

- Folding square with arc: 11,9 x 7,6 x 0,9 cm. (closed)


Made in Germany or Austria early 17th century (1610/1620).

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Provenance

Ex German private collector

View artwork at TEFAF Maastricht 2025

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