rectangular ivory diptych sundial
Datemid 17th-late 17th Century
Inventory Number7512
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
French
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensionsclosed: 1.5 x 5.8 x 6.6 cm (9/16 x 2 5/16 x 2 5/8 in.)
Material
DescriptionBlack coloring. Brass scythe clasps (one with iron nail, one gilt eye) 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. Brass arm on right side of Ila to set angle for equinoctial dial. Hole in II, pieced together with wax. Compass needle and glass missing.
Ia Double-lined border with typical Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation surrounds a circular dial labeled 1-12 twice for use in spring and summer months. A brass indicator (later addition) folds up, possibly for use as a gnomon; setting the indicator to a specific hour moves the volvelle on tablet lb.
lb Double-lined border with typical Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation surrounds pewter type 1 French lunar volvelle of three discs (appear to be a crude replacement). Scales labeled 1-12 twice (outer, also to be used as scale for equinoctial dial during autumn and winter months), 1-12, JANV-DECE (middle), and 1-31 (inner). Latitude scale calibrated from 0° to 80° degrees along right side to set angle for equinoctial dial.
Ila Horizontal dial with a single scale for approximate latitude 49°, labeled 4-12-8. Double-lined border with typical Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation. Compass bowl empty.
llb Plain, except for double-lined border along edge with typical Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation. Large crack and hole near center filled in with wax.
Ia Double-lined border with typical Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation surrounds a circular dial labeled 1-12 twice for use in spring and summer months. A brass indicator (later addition) folds up, possibly for use as a gnomon; setting the indicator to a specific hour moves the volvelle on tablet lb.
lb Double-lined border with typical Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation surrounds pewter type 1 French lunar volvelle of three discs (appear to be a crude replacement). Scales labeled 1-12 twice (outer, also to be used as scale for equinoctial dial during autumn and winter months), 1-12, JANV-DECE (middle), and 1-31 (inner). Latitude scale calibrated from 0° to 80° degrees along right side to set angle for equinoctial dial.
Ila Horizontal dial with a single scale for approximate latitude 49°, labeled 4-12-8. Double-lined border with typical Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation. Compass bowl empty.
llb Plain, except for double-lined border along edge with typical Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation. Large crack and hole near center filled in with wax.
Signedunsigned
Curatorial RemarksLloyd75. Empty envelope (see note) is stored in cabinet with sundial.
ProvenanceDavid P. Wheatland purchased in France, 1952, via E. Weil (#16). Donated to CHSI, ca. 1987.
French
Date: mid 17th-late 17th Century
Object number: 7517
Jacques Guerard
Date: mid 17th-late 17th Century
Object number: 7507
Jacques Senecal
Date: circa 1680
Object number: 7389
Jacques Guerard
Date: mid 17th-late 17th Century
Object number: 7508
French
Date: mid 17th-late 17th Century
Object number: 7386
