rectangular ivory diptych sundial
Datemid 17th-late 17th Century
Inventory Number7503
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
French
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensionsclosed: 1 x 4.9 x 5.6 cm (3/8 x 1 15/16 x 2 3/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionBlack coloring. String hinges bind the two plates (now separated); remnants of silver hinges in II. Brass pins. Double-lined border on the outer edges of I and II. Both plates are slightly curved. Hole in left side of II for pin gnomon (missing). Clasp also missing. Brass arm at right side of IIa to set upper plate to the proper angle for equinoctial and polar dials. Compass needle and glass missing.
Ia Double-lined border with Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation surrounds a circular equinoctial dial labeled 1-12 twice (for use in spring and summer months) and the central polar dial labeled 9-3.
1b Double-lined border with typical Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation surrounds pewter type 2 French lunar volvelle calibrated 1-30 (heavily tarnished) and another 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° to set angle of upper tablet.
IIa Horizontal dial with a single scale for approximate laitude 49.5°, numbered 5-12-7 in black numerals. Double-lined border with typical Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation. Paper latitude list of 22 cities, mostly French (42°- 51° latitude), inside compass bowl. Directions labeled Septentrion, Orient, Mydy, and Occident. Outer scale on paper insert calibrated 0°- 90° four times, beginning at north and south.
IIb Plain, except for double-lined frame with Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation.
Ia Double-lined border with Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation surrounds a circular equinoctial dial labeled 1-12 twice (for use in spring and summer months) and the central polar dial labeled 9-3.
1b Double-lined border with typical Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation surrounds pewter type 2 French lunar volvelle calibrated 1-30 (heavily tarnished) and another 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° to set angle of upper tablet.
IIa Horizontal dial with a single scale for approximate laitude 49.5°, numbered 5-12-7 in black numerals. Double-lined border with typical Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation. Paper latitude list of 22 cities, mostly French (42°- 51° latitude), inside compass bowl. Directions labeled Septentrion, Orient, Mydy, and Occident. Outer scale on paper insert calibrated 0°- 90° four times, beginning at north and south.
IIb Plain, except for double-lined frame with Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation.
Signedunsigned
Curatorial RemarksLloyd72
ProvenanceHarrold E. Gillingham, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, purchased in Paris, c. 1925. David Wheatland purchased from Gillingham, 1949. Donated to CHSI, c. 1985.
French
Date: mid 17th-late 17th Century
Object number: 7517
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
French
Date: mid 17th-late 17th Century
Object number: 7386
Jacques Senecal
Date: circa 1680
Object number: 7389