Diptych Dial by Hans Tucher, 1595
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1595
This diptych dial is an ivory, brass, and silver instrument measuring 80 x 111 x 15 mm. Signed by Hans Tucher and dated 1595, it originates from Nuremberg. The oval-shaped instrument features an upper leaf containing a wind rose with 32 directions, a pin gnomon dial for measuring day length, and a string gnomon dial adjustable for seven latitudes.
The lower leaf includes a string gnomon dial, a central compass, and a lunar volvelle on its exterior. The instrument is extensively inscribed in Latin and German, including instructions for use, latitude markings, and a moral motto. It retains a silver suspension chain and partially surviving bun feet. The internal compass is damaged, and one bun foot appears missing. The dial is part of the collection of the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford, identified by inventory number 50854.
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
- 1595
- Type
- Nuremberg diptych dial
- Maker
- Hans Tucher
- Origin
- Nuremberg
- Materials
- Ivory, brass, silver
- Dimensions
- 80 x 111 x 15mm
- Inscription
- Latin and German
- Place recorded
- Nuremberg
- Maker / attribution
- Hans Tucher
Design
- Visible features
- • Silver suspension chain attached to edge • Internal compass is broken • One bun foot is missing • Lunar volvelle on lower leaf exterior
- Construction and Design
- The diptych dial is constructed in an oval shape, measuring 80 x 111 x 15 mm. It is composed primarily of ivory with brass fittings and an unusual silver suspension chain. The upper and lower leaves are hinged to allow the device to be opened for use. The outer surface of the lower leaf features a pierced lunar volvelle, decorated with moons and stars, labeled 'NACHT VHR'. The upper leaf's exterior includes a wind rose with 32 directions, complete with a compass viewing hole and a brass index arm. Four bun feet are present on the base, although one appears to be missing.
- Timekeeping and Latitude
- The inner section of the upper leaf provides a pin gnomon dial for tracking day length, graduated from 8 to 16, and includes zodiac symbols for solar declination. A string gnomon dial is provided for seven specific latitudes: 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, and 57 degrees. The lower leaf contains a corresponding string gnomon dial for the same latitudes, marked for common hours from 4 to 12 to 8. A central compass, marked with cardinal directions, is integrated into the center of the lower leaf. Latin and German text provides instructions on adjusting the string gnomon for different latitudes and warns against proximity to iron.
- Signatures and Inscriptions
- The dial is signed by Hans Tucher and dated 1595. Various inscriptions appear across the surfaces, including the Latin motto 'HIC M ARINVS COMPAS SVS SEMI TAM TERRA MARIQVE OSTENDIT' and the German motto 'DER SP?DTER SOL NICHTS VER ACHTEN DEN ER KANS BESSER MACHTEN'. The maker's mark, depicted as a serpent, is accompanied by the initials H D. The cardinal directions 'ORIENS', 'OCCIDENS', and 'MERIDIES' are marked on the edge of the dial, while the compass is inscribed with directional initials.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- 50854
- 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: One bun foot appears to be missing
- Research required: Internal compass is noted as broken