Chalice-form gilt-brass scaphe-dial
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
17thC(early)
This early seventeenth-century gilt-brass scaphe sundial is configured in the form of a chalice, mounted on a baluster stem and a six-lobed pierced base. The hexagonal chalice bowl features internal hour-scales for latitude 49 degrees, covering equal hours 4–12–8, along with radiating House of Heaven lines and zodiac scales for day and night lengths marked TAG LENG and NACHT LENG.
A miniature magnetic compass set for N8°E declination rests at the bottom of the interior. The chalice currently features a short pin gnomon in place of an original polar style.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Scientific instrument
- Dimensions
- Height 137 mm, maximum width 95 mm
- Acquisition
- Bequeathed by Octavius Morgan
- Museum number
- 1888,1201.281
- Place recorded
- Germany (?)
- Form and Material
- Chalice-form scaphe-dial in gilt-brass
- Latitude and Compass
- Latitude 49°, compass set for N8°E declination
Design
- Visible features
- • Six-sided flared chalice cup with engraved scrollwork along the upper exterior rim • Turned baluster stem supported by an openwork foliate six-lobed base • Interior multi-faceted surface engraved with astrological symbols, coordinate lines, and a central circular compass
- Compass and Chronology
- A magnetic compass is set at the bottom of the chalice interior, calibrated for a declination of N8°E. The object is attributed to the early 17th century. Its place of production is recorded as Germany, though this attribution is marked with uncertainty.
- Functional Markings and Scales
- The interior basin is inscribed for a latitude of 49°. It functions as a dial of direction rather than an altitude dial. The interior features equal hour-scales marked 4-12-8. Also present are lines for the boundaries of the House of Heaven, labeled 'DO/MVS', as well as scales marked with zodiac signs for day and night lengths, labeled 'TAG LENG' and 'NACHT LENG' with numerical ranges.
- Object Description and Construction
- This object is a gilt-brass scaphe-dial in the form of a hexagonal chalice. It measures 137 mm in height and 95 mm in maximum width. The exterior of the chalice bowl is lightly engraved with scrollwork. The chalice features a cast and chased stem. The six-lobed base, which is pierced with scrollwork, is noted as a likely later replacement. The current gnomon consists of a short pin, described as incorrect, replacing the original polar style gnomon.
Identification
- Reference
- 1888,1201.281
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Place of manufacture in Germany is attributed with uncertainty in museum records
- Research required: Curatorial notes indicate the pierced six-lobed base is likely a later replacement and the short pin gnomon is incorrect