rectangular ivory diptych sundial
Datecirca 1625
Inventory Number7497
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
French
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensionsclosed: 1.7 x 6.1 x 7.4 cm (11/16 x 2 3/8 x 2 15/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionBlack, blue, and gilt coloring. Brass hook clasps and hinges on I and II (right claso on II missing), copper eyes. Ivory is slightly yellowed in places. Double-lined border is found on the outer edges of both I and II. Iron compass needle with brass center (later replacement?).
Ia Double-lined frame surrounds a three-scale German-style lunar volvelle with a brass disc (4.3cm). Scales calibrated 1-30 (outer), 1-12 twice (middle), and 1-12 twice on the rotating brass disc in black numerals.
Ib Latitude table of 15 (?) cities, most of them French, written in gold on a round and blue background, surrounded by foliate ornamentation in gold. Paint is badly deteriorated. Brass slider and slideware, spring missing. Sliding scale for string gnomon calibrated for 40° - 50°. Brass level. Double and single-lined border makes a frame around central circular inset.
IIa Horizontal dial with three scales labeled V-XII-VII in the middle scale in black numerals for 42° (inner), 45° (middle), and 48° (outer), with dots marking the half hours. Compass bowl has an eight-pointed star on a blue paper background with gilt and black writing. Directions labeled NOR, EST, NOR, and OEST, with other markings. Magnetic declination about 1° east of north. Double - and single-lined border is part of a frame around central compass bowl.
IIb Undecorated, except for double-lined frame.
Ia Double-lined frame surrounds a three-scale German-style lunar volvelle with a brass disc (4.3cm). Scales calibrated 1-30 (outer), 1-12 twice (middle), and 1-12 twice on the rotating brass disc in black numerals.
Ib Latitude table of 15 (?) cities, most of them French, written in gold on a round and blue background, surrounded by foliate ornamentation in gold. Paint is badly deteriorated. Brass slider and slideware, spring missing. Sliding scale for string gnomon calibrated for 40° - 50°. Brass level. Double and single-lined border makes a frame around central circular inset.
IIa Horizontal dial with three scales labeled V-XII-VII in the middle scale in black numerals for 42° (inner), 45° (middle), and 48° (outer), with dots marking the half hours. Compass bowl has an eight-pointed star on a blue paper background with gilt and black writing. Directions labeled NOR, EST, NOR, and OEST, with other markings. Magnetic declination about 1° east of north. Double - and single-lined border is part of a frame around central compass bowl.
IIb Undecorated, except for double-lined frame.
Signedunsigned
Curatorial RemarksLloyd54
ProvenanceHarrold E. Gillingham, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, purchased from Middegaels, Paris, 1925. David Wheatland purchased from Gillingham, 1949. Donated to CHSI, c. 1985.
French
Date: 1623
Accessories: black tooled leather case with gilt decoration
Object number: 7495
Jacques Guerard
Date: mid 17th-late 17th Century
Object number: 7507
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
