Butterfield-type sundial with case
Date1680-1681
Inventory Number7011
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
Michael Butterfield
1635 - 1724
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensionsgnomon as found: 2.6 × 4.9 × 5.8 cm (1 × 1 15/16 × 2 5/16 in.)
closed: 1 × 4.9 × 5.8 cm (3/8 × 1 15/16 × 2 5/16 in.)
case: 1.9 × 6.7 × 6.3 cm (3/4 × 2 5/8 × 2 1/2 in.)
closed: 1 × 4.9 × 5.8 cm (3/8 × 1 15/16 × 2 5/16 in.)
case: 1.9 × 6.7 × 6.3 cm (3/4 × 2 5/8 × 2 1/2 in.)
Material
Accessoriescase
DescriptionSilver octagonal dial plate with compass at south end. Very early Butterfield signature. The signature surrounds an ornament of a flower. The folding gnomon has a plump bird, whose beak indicates the latitude setting from 40-60 degrees.
Three hour scales for latitudes 43, 46, 48'51, and 52 degrees are numbered in Arabic numerals, except for 48'51 which is in Roman numerals. Hours are marked 4-12-8 for all except those for latitude 48'51 degrees, which are IIII-XII-VIII. Subdivisions by quarter hours for latitudes 42 and 48'51, and by half hours for 46 and 43.
Wind rose with 4 cardinal points: "NORT, EST, SVD, OVEST." The meridian is presently offset for magnetic declination of about 10 degrees west.
The underside of the dial plate is engraved with the names and latitudes (in degrees and minutes) of 20 European towns. The underside of the compass bowl is decorated with a flower and acanthus leaves.
With later red leather case with gilt borders on top and on top and bottom edges. Lined with green velvet: olive green on top and bright green on bottom. One hinge and button clasp. Dial fits well in case.
Three hour scales for latitudes 43, 46, 48'51, and 52 degrees are numbered in Arabic numerals, except for 48'51 which is in Roman numerals. Hours are marked 4-12-8 for all except those for latitude 48'51 degrees, which are IIII-XII-VIII. Subdivisions by quarter hours for latitudes 42 and 48'51, and by half hours for 46 and 43.
Wind rose with 4 cardinal points: "NORT, EST, SVD, OVEST." The meridian is presently offset for magnetic declination of about 10 degrees west.
The underside of the dial plate is engraved with the names and latitudes (in degrees and minutes) of 20 European towns. The underside of the compass bowl is decorated with a flower and acanthus leaves.
With later red leather case with gilt borders on top and on top and bottom edges. Lined with green velvet: olive green on top and bright green on bottom. One hinge and button clasp. Dial fits well in case.
Signedon dial plate: BVTTERFIELD A PARIS
Curatorial RemarksThe engraving on this dial is very different from traditional dials by Butterfield, which are signed “Butterfield AParis.” It has been thought to be made by a counterfeiter to very high standards, but the hall mark of a fleur-de-lys in an oval dates it to circa 1680-1681. This has led to the suggestion that It is among Butterfield’s earliest signatures.
A similar Butterfield dial was on exhibit in 2013-2014 at the Galerie Delalande, Paris, and is H15 in the exhibition catalogue.
FunctionTime finding: 40-60 degrees
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland purchased in Paris, 1952, via Ernst Weil (# 20). Donated to CHSI, 1985.
Michael Butterfield
Date: 1684-1687
Accessories: case
Object number: 7472
Michael Butterfield
Date: 1684-1687
Accessories: case
Object number: HO81Z-7
Pierre Le Maire II
Date: circa 1730
Accessories: case
Object number: 7241
François Sautout
Date: 1684-1687
Accessories: case
Object number: 7039
