Crucifix Dial, Late 16th century ?
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Late 16th century ?
This crucifix dial is an unsigned instrument constructed of gilt brass, measuring 250 x 80 x 63 mm. Attributed to the late 16th century and of German origin, the cross stands on a rectangular plinth with four bun feet.
The base features engraved personifications of the four elements (IGNIS, TERRA, AER, AQVA). The front of the cross features a hinged panel opening to reveal two rectangular drawers with geometric decoration, which might have functioned as an inkpot and pounce pot. The device incorporates multiple timekeeping features, including hour lines on the sides of the cross, a volvelle for converting Italian hours, and a lunar volvelle on the reverse side.
The top bears a compass case, currently lacking needle and glass. A table for planetary hours and a latitude scale are also engraved on the object.
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
- Date
- Late 16th century
- Type
- German crucifix dial
- Materials
- Gilt brass
- Dimensions
- 250 x 80 x 63 mm
- Inscriptions
- Planetary hours table
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Base engravings
- Personifications of four elements
- Compass condition
- Needle and glass missing
Design
- Visible features
- • Engraved personifications of the four elements on the plinth sides. • Hinged front panel revealing two small internal drawers. • Integrated lunar volvelle with lunar day scale. • Hinged round compass case at the top of the cross.
- Horological Features
- The instrument serves as a complex multifunctional sundial. It includes hour lines inscribed on the sides of the cross, facilitating timekeeping through the positioning of shadows. A latitude scale, numbered from 35 to 59, is engraved at the top of the cross, accompanied by a movable arm, although it lacks an internal mechanism to adjust for latitude. On the reverse, the dial includes a lunar volvelle and a table designed to calculate the difference between lunar and solar time based on the age of the moon. Additionally, the base features a table titled 'TABVLA DOMINII PLANETARVM' which provides hours of the day and night alongside their corresponding ruling planets.
- History and Condition
- The object was bequeathed by Maurice Rosenheim in 1922 and is now held by the British Museum. It is referenced in F. A. B. Ward's catalogue of scientific instruments. Currently, the instrument shows signs of wear, specifically regarding the compass case located at the top of the cross. The case is described as slightly broken and missing its needle and glass. The attribution remains a subject of inquiry, with the date tentatively placed in the late 16th century.
- Construction and Design
- The crucifix dial is crafted from gilt brass and stands upon a rectangular plinth supported by four bun feet. The plinth's sides are decorated with engravings representing the four elements: Ignis, Terra, Aer, and Aqua, each identified by specific attributes such as a hammer and cannon, a plough, a trumpet, and vases. The cross itself is mounted atop this base. The front surface is hinged, allowing it to open to display an interior cavity containing two small rectangular drawers. These drawers are finished with geometric patterns and are believed to have served as receptacles for an inkpot and a pounce pot.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- MLA 1922, 7-5.4
- 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: Dating is qualified with a question mark by the source.
- Research required: Internal compartments are identified as an inkpot and pounce pot tentatively.
- Research required: Needle and glass for the compass are missing.