Where Can I Buy An Astrolabe. A Real One That Works?

My friend works for the only company in the world that makes a working astrolabe. They're a small operation out of berkeley, ca. The artist for his college thesis recalibrated the whole astrolabe because they hadn't been produced for over a century and star positions have changed in that time. The website is puzzlering.net. They make a version in pewter or 24 carat gold. They've been making astrolabes for over 30 years and incidentally, they also make the nicest puzzle rings I've ever seen. These are the ones who are on "how its made" as well.

So you can find astrolabes at www.puzzlering.net/astrolabe.html but the best place to find them is at a local Renissance Festival from a company called Honorable Company of Metalsmiths. It's a small business based out of Berkeley California that started in 1971 by Norm Greene and Jeff Matthews. I have worked for this company for 4 years at a few different faires and can honestly say you won't be dissapointed. You can buy them on the website but you'll have a much better experience and price at a faire. Check out the site to find out where we'll be next ^_^

I bought one from this website
www.onbrightsky.co.uk
its not made out of brass but I don't think most of the original ones were
but ill tell you what, it is projected from my back garden!!!!
Seriously
they make them for anywhere in the world for less than a tenner
its even got the path of the sun on it and an alidade built in
I generally just use it to tell me then names of constellations and stars when I'm in the back garden
I don't know what else id use its pretty much taught me all the constellations now its really really handy
hope that helps :)

Surf this site: www.astrolabes.org will tell you how everything you need to know about astrolabes.  You can get a cheap but sophisticated paper one or a computer program.  There are links to at least two craftsmen who make functioning brass replicas.  Enjoy!