Diptych Dial by Hans Tucher, 1581
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1581
This Nuremberg diptych dial is constructed from ivory and brass, measuring 109 x 70 x 14 mm. Signed by the maker as 'hans ducher zu nurnberg', the instrument features extensive stamped inscriptions in red, black, and brown, alongside decorative geometrical patterns.
The device serves as a multifunctional timekeeping instrument, incorporating a string gnomon dial, two pin gnomon dials, a wind rose, and a lunar volvelle. A central magnetic compass is inset into the lower leaf, which displays five concentric circles for string gnomon readings across multiple latitudes. Additional features include a scaphe dial with Italian hours and a day-length scale. The upper leaf provides geographical guidance, correlating specific latitudes (42°, 45°, 48°, 51°, and 54°) to various European and Mediterranean regions.
The instrument includes brass clasps for securing and positioning the leaves, though the hinge wire is absent.
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
- 1581
- Type
- Nuremberg diptych dial
- Maker
- Hans Tucher
- Compass
- Magnetic deviation of 25 degrees W
- Materials
- Ivory and brass
- Dimensions
- 109 x 70 x 14 mm
- Latitude range
- 42 to 54 degrees
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Hans Tucher
- Place of manufacture
- Nuremberg
Design
- Visible features
- • Maker's mark of a vertical serpent with a crown • Hand-inscribed geographic latitude tables on inner leaves • Compass needle and glass indicated as later replacements • Inlay of brass pin for the scaphe dial
- Construction and Design
- The diptych dial consists of two ivory leaves connected by a hinge, though the connecting wire is presently missing. The exterior and interior surfaces are heavily engraved and stamped with text and graphics, with the voids filled in black, red, and brown pigments. The dial incorporates a series of functional components, including a string gnomon dial designed for five distinct latitudes and a scaphe dial for Italian time. The compass features a dial with marked cardinal points and a noted magnetic deviation of 25 degrees West. The dial's surface is decorated with geometric patterns and a stylized flower within the scaphe area.
- Provenance and Attribution
- The object is held by the British Museum under the inventory number MLA 1871,11-15.19. It was presented to the museum by A.W. Franks in 1871. The maker is identified as Hans Tucher, based on the signature and the mark of an upright serpent with a crown. The documentation notes that it remains impossible to distinguish whether this work originated from Hans Tucher II or Hans Tucher III, as both were active during this period and shared the same maker's mark. The spelling 'Ducher' appearing on the instrument is noted as being consistent with other documented dials by this maker.
- Timekeeping and Latitude Functions
- The instrument is designed for use at multiple latitudes, ranging from 42 to 54 degrees. The inner lower leaf contains a string gnomon dial with concentric scales corresponding to these latitudes, alongside a scaphe dial indicating Italian hours and day lengths. A solar-lunar conversion volvelle is located on the outer surface, allowing for the calculation of lunar and solar time. Geographical inscriptions on the leaves categorize various regions and cities by their latitude, providing the user with settings for the string gnomon. The pin gnomon dial at the top of the upper leaf displays month names and zodiacal symbols, though it lacks hour markings, limiting its function in direct time measurement.
Identification
- Reference
- MLA 1871,11-15.19
- 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: Maker identity uncertain between Hans Tucher II and Hans Tucher III
- Research required: Original hinge wire is missing from the assembly