Crucifix Dial by Melchior Reichle
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1569
This crucifix dial, manufactured in 1569 and signed by Melchior Reichle, is an instrument constructed from gilt brass measuring 56 x 37 x 10 mm. It is a cross-shaped portable device featuring a hinged lid engraved with a Crucifixion scene and the 'INRI' monogram.
Internally, the lid houses a compass with magnetic deviation markings and cardinal point abbreviations. The main box assembly features outer sides engraved with hour lines, foliate patterns, and the signature of the maker. A notable mechanical feature consists of two sliding rulers on the exterior of the box, calibrated for the conversion between Italian and common hours. The instrument also includes a latitude scale on the vertical arm and is equipped with a suspension ring for portability.
The device currently lacks the original support intended for setting latitude, and its interior compartment is empty.
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
- 1569
- Type
- German crucifix dial
- Maker
- Melchior Reichle
- Origin
- German
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Dimensions
- 56 x 37 x 10 mm
- Provenance
- A.W. Franks
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Melchior Reichle
Design
- Visible features
- • Engraved hour scales on the outer vertical box sides • Visible skull motif at the foot of the cross • Compass needle and degree scale located inside the lid
- Provenance and Documentation
- This instrument is identified as one of only two known dials signed by Melchior Reichle, with the second example being an item classified as a compendium. The object was formally presented by A.W. Franks in 1874 and is held within the British Museum in London. The dial has been subject to institutional cataloguing, specifically appearing in the 1981 publication by F. A. B. Ward, titled 'A Catalogue of European Scientific Instruments in the Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities of the British Museum'.
- Construction and Exterior Features
- The object is a cross-shaped dial formed from gilt brass, with dimensions of 56 x 37 x 10 mm. The exterior surfaces are finished with detailed engravings, including foliate decorations, linear patterns, and specific hour sequences ranging from 6 to 10 and 12 to 3. A skull is depicted at the foot of the cross, and a suspension ring is attached to the upper portion. The exterior of the box component incorporates a unique mechanical feature: two sliding rulers numbered from 1 to 12 and 13 to 24. These rulers are positioned alongside two columns of digits arranged from 8 to 12 to 8. This system is designed to facilitate the conversion between common and Italian hour formats. An inscription is present on the arms of the cross, providing text in German.
- Internal Components and Calibration
- The lid, hinged at the top of the vertical arm, is engraved on the exterior with a depiction of a Crucifixion and the 'INRI' monogram. Upon opening the lid, a compass is revealed, which includes markings for magnetic deviation and abbreviated cardinal points represented as 'M', 'OR', 'OC', 'S'. The bottom vertical arm of the cross features an engraved latitude scale labeled 'ELEVAT<IO> POLI', which spans from 42 to 54 degrees in increments of two. The interior of the main box remains empty, and the specific support required for the adjustment of the latitude setting is currently absent from the device.
Identification
- Inventory number
- MLA 1874, 7-27.3
- 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: The original support for latitude setting is missing
- Research required: Traces of unidentified previous engraving exist beneath the latitude scale