Diptych Dial, circa 1600 (c0f117)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1600
This diptych dial is attributed to Thomas Tucher of Nuremberg, dating to circa 1600. Constructed primarily of ivory with brass accents, it measures 60 x 88 x 13 mm.
The instrument features a hinged construction with multiple timekeeping functions, including string gnomon dials, pin gnomon dials for Italian and Babylonian hours, and a lunar volvelle on the exterior. The decoration includes arabesques, leaves, and a central sun face. The object integrates a compass, although several components are currently missing, including the compass glass, needle, ring, and the wind vane. The maker's mark is found on a brass plate on the lower leaf edge rather than being punched into the ivory.
The dial incorporates specific astronomical tables and inscriptions, some of which are noted by the museum to be historically inconsistent, such as the epact table and the hour system labels.
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
- circa 1600
- Type
- Nuremberg diptych dial
- Maker
- Thomas Tucher
- Materials
- Ivory and brass
- Dimensions
- 60 x 88 x 13 mm
- Place recorded
- Nuremberg
- Maker / attribution
- Thomas Tucher
- Place of manufacture
- Nuremberg
Design
- Visible features
- • The dial is missing its compass needle, glass, and ring. • The maker's mark is engraved on a brass plate on the edge of the lower leaf. • The exterior includes a wind rose with 32 directions and a sun face. • The piece features three bun feet on the underside of the lower leaf.
- Reported Condition
- The object retains its primary structure, although several functional components are missing. The internal compass, which would have contained a needle, ring, and glass cover, is currently empty. Additionally, the pin gnomon for the Italian hours and the wind vane normally housed in a compartment on the left edge are not present. The maker's mark of a crowned serpent, located within the compass area, is described as very faded. The overall decorative scheme, including the coloured leaves and arabesques, remains visible on the leaf surfaces.
- Construction and Design
- The diptych dial consists of two ivory leaves hinged together, measuring 60 x 88 x 13 mm. The outer side of the upper leaf features a wind rose with 32 directions, a compass viewing hole, and a sun face motif at the center. The spandrels are decorated with coloured arabesques and leaves. The lower leaf is supported by three bun feet. The inner sections utilize both string and pin gnomon mechanisms. The upper inner leaf houses a pin gnomon dial and a string gnomon dial with latitude adjustments. The lower inner leaf contains a compass cavity and further gnomon-based hour markings. Brass is employed for structural elements, including the hinge, the maker's signature plate, and index arms.
- Signatures and Inscriptions
- The maker's mark for Thomas Tucher is located on a brass plate fixed to the right edge of the lower leaf. This is noted as a departure from the traditional practice of punching the mark directly into the ivory surface. Additional inscriptions include cardinal points around the compass and labels for different hour systems. Specific astronomical inscriptions appear on the exterior and interior faces. A lunar volvelle on the outer lower leaf contains a table of epacts. The museum report identifies inconsistencies in this table, noting that the Julian and Gregorian terms are reversed. Similarly, a label referencing 'large' and 'small' hours is described as incorrect because both systems present would be categorised as large.
Identification
- Inventory number
- 46918
- 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 museum notes the internal table of epacts is incorrect regarding the Julian and Gregorian terms.
- Research required: The inscription 'GRO VNT KLAN VR' regarding hour systems is described by the museum as appearing incorrect.