Cappuccino Quadrant – 15th-Century Replica - Gift for an Astronomer or Sailor – H28

The quadrant is a historical navigational and astronomical instrument used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies (e.g., the Sun, stars) above the horizon. In practice, it was used mainly in:

astronomy – for observations and creating maps of the sky,
maritime navigation – for determining a ship’s latitude.

The name Cappuccino comes from the shape of the hood worn by Capuchin monks (Cappuccino in English), as the shape of this device reminded contemporaries of it.

The quadrant is made of zamak (a zinc and aluminum alloy) and mounted on an elegant wooden base. The replica is distinguished by high-quality craftsmanship and durability. Carefully embossed details and a solid finish make it an exceptional collector’s item. The replica has been calibrated to latitude 51.5°N,

It is an excellent decoration for an office, library, or vintage-style interior, as well as an outstanding gift for an enthusiast of astronomy, the history of science, or sailing.

Product information:

Height: 11 cm
Width: 8 cm
Historical replica of a 15th-century quadrant
Ideal for collectors and enthusiasts of vintage-style items
Decoration for an office, study, or retro-style library
Unique gift for a collector of historical instruments or an enthusiast of old technologies


How did the quadrant work?

1. The sailor or astronomer held the instrument vertically.
2. They aimed at a celestial body through the sight.
3. The weight indicated the angle value on the scale.
4. This angle above the horizon made it possible to:
calculate latitude (at sea),
determine position and time (in astronomy).


Interesting facts:

Quadrants were used as early as the Middle Ages and during the Age of Discovery.
They were later replaced by sextants, which were more accurate and easier to use.
The renowned astronomer Tycho Brahe used very large quadrants for precise observations of stars even before the invention of the telescope.