The Officina mainly produced mathematical instruments - they were instruments of gnomonics and mathematics applied to the calculations of structures and to the bearings of remote objects. Those activities were all linked to military engineering besides being linked to civil works. Although the date of origin is unknown, the Officina was seemingly working in the field of high-level handicrafts, which had already been important at the time of Federico and his son Guidubaldo I. Among the first masters there certainly were members of the Barocci's family: its founder Ambrogio came to Urbino in 1474 as a sculptor working for the duke (he probably made the mechanical panels that ornamented the Ducal Palace's base near the entry, and that were probably inspired to the drawings of machines by Roberto Valturio), he also proved to be interested in mathematical instruments. Among his offspring and Simone, Giovanni Battista Giovanni Maria (they all lived in the 16th century) were famous for their ability to build highly rated mechanical clocks. Another famous citizen of Urbino was Baldassarre Lanci (1510-1571); although he worked in Tuscany he always mentioned his cultural origins in his works. The Officina did not have a merely local market, its products were commissioned from abroad and it had clients all over Europe. Other prominent workers of the Officina were Lorenzo Vagnarelli (1581- 1675) and his nephew Pompilio Bruni (1605-1668), a famous mathematician. In the eighteenth century the "Officina" changed its name in "Accademia degli strumenti" though it kept always its original function in the fields of handicrafts and of trade.