Diptych Dial, 1579
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1579
This 1579 diptych dial is constructed from ivory and brass, measuring 110 x 65 x 13 mm. Signed by Hans Tucher in Nuremberg, it features various integrated timekeeping systems, including an equatorial sun- and moondial on the outer leaf, and a combination of vertical and horizontal string and pin gnomon dials on the interior.
The surfaces are embellished with inscriptions detailing geographical latitudes and functional instructions in German. The construction incorporates a brass latitude adjustment mechanism on the exterior and a central compass well. The object is decorated with stamped inscriptions filled with red, green, brown, and black pigments, and features the maker's mark—a vertical crowned serpent—stamped twice. The dial is currently missing several components, including the brass clasps, the pin gnomons, the string gnomons, and the compass needle and glass.
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
- 1579
- Type
- Nuremberg diptych dial
- Maker
- Hans Tucher
- Materials
- Ivory and brass
- Dimensions
- 110 x 65 x 13 mm
- Maker's mark
- Vertical crowned serpent
- Place recorded
- Nuremberg
- Place of origin
- Nuremberg
- Maker / attribution
- Hans Tucher
Design
- Visible features
- • Maker's mark of a vertical crowned serpent stamped on the exterior lower leaf • Dial surfaces feature German text inscriptions detailing city latitudes • Compass well marked with eight points • Brass latitude adjustment arm on the side of the upper leaf
- Reported Condition
- The instrument is missing several original parts, including two brass closure clasps and two retaining clasps for the open position. Both the string gnomons for the interior dials and the pin gnomons are no longer present. The compass well, located on the inner lower leaf, is missing its original glass cover and the magnetic needle. The remaining compass markings show a magnetic deviation of approximately 6 degrees East, and the primary directional markers are noted as being confused regarding East and West orientation.
- Construction and Design
- The dial is formed from two ivory leaves joined together, with integrated brass elements such as the latitude adjustment arm and a central circular disc. The exterior upper leaf houses an equatorial sun- and moondial, which can be adjusted for latitude using a movable brass arm that locks into a corrugated scale ranging from 30 to 60 degrees. The inner surfaces are densely packed with multiple sundial types, including vertical string and pin gnomon dials. These are annotated with German inscriptions, such as the note accompanying the pin gnomon dial that indicates the function of the shadow point in displaying hours and day length. The ivory surfaces are finished with coloured wax fillings in red, green, brown, and black for the engraved lettering and lines.
- Signatures and Markings
- The instrument bears the signature 'hans ducher zu nurenberg' located on the upper interior leaf. Additional identification is provided by the maker's mark, which consists of a vertical crowned serpent stamped twice on the outer surface of the lower leaf. The geographic information inscribed on the dial serves as a reference for various locations across Europe, grouped by their corresponding latitude requirements. These lists include cities such as Lisbon, Venice, and Nuremberg, providing a reference for users to calibrate the dial accurately based on their current location.
Identification
- Inventory number
- MLA 1871,11-15.18
- 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: It is not possible to verify if the dial was made by Hans Tucher II or Hans Tucher III
- Research required: Missing components include pin gnomons, string gnomons, two brass clasps, and the compass glass and needle