German Gilt-Brass Compass by Christopher Schissler signed and dated 1566
Adjustable with foliate scroll engraved bar, inscribed CHRISTOPHORUS SCHISSLER FACIEBAT AUGUSTAE / VINDELICORUM ANNO DOMINI 1566 and ECCE DABIT GEMINUMQUE PEDEM VARIASQUE VIGURAS ET DIGITOS SPACIO CIRCINUS ISTE BREVI. Length approximately 10 inches.

Christopher Schissler (c.1531-1608) was the outstanding instrument maker of the 16th century, noteworthy for the quality of his work and variety of his output. Between 1553, when he gained his Freedom of Augsburg as 'Geometrischer und Astronomischer Werkmeister' and also married, and his retirment in 1605, he made a wide variety of instruments. Schissler's production was extensive and more than one hundred instruments by him are known. They were widely distributed throughout Europe, in part through the Fugger family network and clients included Emperor Rudolph II, Augustus Elector of Saxony and the Dukes of Bavaria.

Schissler's instruments can be found in major collections and museums, including a related example in the British Museum signed and dated 1558 (1888, 1201-2830), the Science Museum, London, the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford. and the Museo Galileo in Florence,