rectangular ivory diptych sundial
Datemid 17th-late 17th Century
Inventory Number7516
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
French
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensionsdial: 1.3 × 6.7 × 5.9 cm (1/2 × 2 5/8 × 2 5/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionBlack coloring. Silver scythe clasps and silver/copper alloy hinges. Double-lined border on the outer edges of I and II. Clasped hole in left side of II for pin gnomon (missing). Silver arm at right side of Ha to set upper plate to the proper angle for equinoctial dial. Compass needle and glass missing. Braided silver ring to hold compass glass intact. Modern label on left side of II reads "C. Bloud. --Dieppe. 1660-1680. 3." Tablet I slightly curved.
la 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.
lb Double-lined border with typical Dieppe ornamentation surrounds silver gilt type 2 French lunar volvelle 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° 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. Printed paper latitude list of 24 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.
llb Plain, except for double-lined border with Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation.
la 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.
lb Double-lined border with typical Dieppe ornamentation surrounds silver gilt type 2 French lunar volvelle 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° 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. Printed paper latitude list of 24 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.
llb Plain, except for double-lined border with Dieppe "pecked" ornamentation.
Signedunsigned
Curatorial RemarksLloyd73
ProvenanceHarrold E. Gillingham, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, purchased in Paris, 1929. 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