rectangular ivory diptych sundial
Date1623
Inventory Number7495
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
French
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensionsclosed: 1.6 x 6.9 x 8.5 cm (5/8 x 2 11/16 x 3 3/8 in.)
Material
Accessoriesblack tooled leather case with gilt decoration
DescriptionBlack, red, blue, and gilt coloring. Silver/copper alloy and brass clasps on I and II. Silver ring to hold compass glass intact. Glass broken. Blued-steel compass needle with gilt brass center. Ivory is slighty yellowed in places. Complete with two piece tooled black leather case which slides open and shut. Inside edge maroon with rolled gilt ornamentation. Case has loops on either side for securing a cord so that dial could be carried.
Ia Undecorated, except for double-lined frame.
Ib Latitude table of several French cities painted in gilt on a blue background, partly disintegrated. Colorful circular painting of a fanciful castle in a mountainous landscape, surrounded by foliate ornamentation in gold on a red background. Silver spring and gilt brass sliding scale for string gnomon calibrated for 43° - 48°. Brass level.
IIa Horizontal dial with three hour scales, outer scale labeled IIII-XII-VIII, middle scale unlabeled, and inner scale labeled V-XII-VII in red numerals and labeled for 43°, 45°, and 48° latitude, respectively. Dots mark the half -hours. Compass bowl labels the directions with a fleur-de-lys, +, M, and O, with gilt
Ia Undecorated, except for double-lined frame.
Ib Latitude table of several French cities painted in gilt on a blue background, partly disintegrated. Colorful circular painting of a fanciful castle in a mountainous landscape, surrounded by foliate ornamentation in gold on a red background. Silver spring and gilt brass sliding scale for string gnomon calibrated for 43° - 48°. Brass level.
IIa Horizontal dial with three hour scales, outer scale labeled IIII-XII-VIII, middle scale unlabeled, and inner scale labeled V-XII-VII in red numerals and labeled for 43°, 45°, and 48° latitude, respectively. Dots mark the half -hours. Compass bowl labels the directions with a fleur-de-lys, +, M, and O, with gilt
Signedon 2b: 1623
Curatorial RemarksLloyd51. Envelope with loose parts (see note) is stored in cabinet with sundial.
ProvenanceDavid P. Wheatland purchased in France, 1952, via Ernst Weil (#3). Donated to CHSI, ca. 1987.
Michael Butterfield
Date: 1680-1681
Accessories: case
Object number: 7011
