Byron Johnson ([log in to unmask]) wrote: >I am posting this query for our Curator who is seeking maritime >navigational replicas. The Tampa Bay History Center is preparing a small >exhibit on the Spanish exploration of Tampa Bay -- a preview of what we >hope will be a larger future exhibition. As part of the exhibit we would >like to display a replica of a 16th century astrolabe, perhaps a knotline >and other replica navigational hardware. > >Question: Are there firms or individuals that have made high quality >replicas that you are familiar with and would recommend? The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum has a fairly large collection of navigational instruments, and we use replicas in our educational programs and exhibits. We have a few replicas of "exhibition quality" themselves that we use instead of real artifacts in displays and also more expendable (and durable) versions for hands-on activities. A few firms we've used for this include: Hardings 103 West Aliso Street Ojai, CA 93023 805-646-0204 Norman Green P.O. Box 8451 Emeryville, CA 94608 415-652-7464 Mohammed Zakariya 536 N. Littleton St. Arlington, VA 22203 703-243-9210 Museum Electronics Ltd. Mel Hines, contact Markham, Ontario 905-474-1774 Harriet Wynter Ltd. 50 Redcliffe Road London SW10 9NJ 071-352-6494 071-352-9312 fax Gardner & Wakelin 17 Sandycroft Abbeywood London SE2 0XY 011-44-181-310-1624 Phone & fax If you'd like more information about astrolabes or other navigational instruments, you might want to contact our Curators, Rod & Madge Webster. They know instruments quite well and have developed an inexpensive cardboard astrolabe that can be used in teaching. Hope this helps! Kate Kate Desulis (312) 322-0821 phone Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum (312) 322-2257 fax 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive [log in to unmask] Chicago, IL 60605