rectangular ivory diptych sundial
Datemid 17th-late 17th Century
Inventory Number7502
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
French
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensionsdial: 1.1 × 5.7 × 5.1 cm (7/16 × 2 1/4 × 2 in.)
Material
DescriptionBlack coloring. Silver scythe clasps and hinges. Double-lined border on the outer edges of I and II. Hole in left side of II for pin gnomon (missing). Clasp also missing. Silver arm at right side of IIa to set upper plate to the proper angle for equinoctial dial. Compass needle is probably a replacement. Glass missing. Silver ring to hold compass glass intact.
Ia Double-lined border with typical Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation surrounds a circular equinoctial dial labeled 1-12 twice for use in spring and summer months. Central metal rivet with hole for pin gnomon.
Ib Double-lined border with typical Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation surrounds silver type 2 French lunar volvelle (badly worn) calibrated 1-30. Outer scale calibrated 1-12 twice, also to be used as scale for equinoctial dial during autumn and winter months. Latitude scale along right side from 0° to 80° set to angle for equinoctial dial.
IIa Horizontal dial with a single scale for approximate latitude 49°, labeled 5-12-7. Double-lined border with typical Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation. Printed paper latitude list of 24 cities, mostly French (42°- 51° latitude), inside compass bowl. Directions labeled Septentrion, Orient, Midy, and Occident. Outer scale on paper insert calibrated 0°- 90° four times, beginning with north and south.
IIb Plain, except for double-lined edging with Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation.
Ia Double-lined border with typical Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation surrounds a circular equinoctial dial labeled 1-12 twice for use in spring and summer months. Central metal rivet with hole for pin gnomon.
Ib Double-lined border with typical Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation surrounds silver type 2 French lunar volvelle (badly worn) calibrated 1-30. Outer scale calibrated 1-12 twice, also to be used as scale for equinoctial dial during autumn and winter months. Latitude scale along right side from 0° to 80° set to angle for equinoctial dial.
IIa Horizontal dial with a single scale for approximate latitude 49°, labeled 5-12-7. Double-lined border with typical Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation. Printed paper latitude list of 24 cities, mostly French (42°- 51° latitude), inside compass bowl. Directions labeled Septentrion, Orient, Midy, and Occident. Outer scale on paper insert calibrated 0°- 90° four times, beginning with north and south.
IIb Plain, except for double-lined edging with Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation.
Signedunsigned
Curatorial RemarksLloyd74. Empty envelope (see note) is stored in cabinet with sundial.
ProvenanceHarrold E. Gillingham, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, purchased from Rosenau, Paris, 1925. David Wheatland purchased from Gillingham, 1949. Donated to CHSI, c. 1985.
French
Date: mid 17th-late 17th Century
Object number: 7517
Jacques Guerard
Date: mid 17th-late 17th Century
Object number: 7507
Jacques Guerard
Date: mid 17th-late 17th Century
Object number: 7508
French
Date: mid 17th-late 17th Century
Object number: 7386
Charles Bloud
Date: circa 1660
Accessories: On 6/22/98 an envelope with a piece to this dial was found in 1V-2b. However, nothing was found inside the envelope. JR
Object number: 7514