Diptych Dial by Johann Eicktet
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1584
This diptych dial is a portable string gnomon sundial dated 1584, constructed from gilt brass with measurements of 51 x 38 x 8 mm. Attributed to Johann Eicktet, the instrument is designed for a latitude of 47 degrees.
It consists of a hinged main box and lid, secured by a hook clasp, with a suspension ring for carrying. The interior features vertical and horizontal hour scales, with a central 18 mm compass marked for cardinal directions and magnetic variation. The exterior surfaces of the brass instrument are decorated with engraved motifs of foliage, fruit, birds, and animals. The dial is accompanied by its original protective carrying case, constructed from vellum and pasteboard covered in leather.
The object was formerly part of the Michel and Billmeir collections and is now housed at the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford, under inventory number 53969.
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
- 1584
- Type
- German diptych dial
- Maker
- Johann Eicktet
- Latitude
- 47 degrees
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Provenance
- Michel and Billmeir collections
- Case material
- Vellum, pasteboard, and leather
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Johann Eicktet
Design
- Visible features
- • Hinged gilt brass box with hook clasp • Vertical and horizontal string gnomon dials • Engraved exterior with animal and foliage motifs • Integrated 18 mm central compass
- Provenance and Housing
- The instrument includes its original protective carrying case, which is manufactured from vellum and pasteboard, finished with a leather covering. This case was designed to shield the gilt brass instrument from damage when not in use, reflecting the portable nature of the piece. The dial's historical provenance is documented through its inclusion in two major collections: the Michel Collection and the Billmeir Collection (specifically recorded as 57-84/75). It is currently held by the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford, where it remains catalogued as part of their permanent collection under inventory number 53969.
- Construction and Design
- The diptych dial is fabricated from gilt brass and measures 51 x 38 x 8 mm. Its structure comprises a main box and a hinged lid, which allows it to function as a compact, portable timekeeping instrument. The lid can be maintained in a vertical position using a hook clasp, providing the necessary orientation for the vertical hour dial located on its interior. A suspension ring is attached to the exterior of the box, facilitating transport. The exterior surfaces of the brass housing are decorated with detailed engravings depicting foliage, fruit, birds, and animals. The interior contains both vertical and horizontal hour scales, intended for use with the string gnomon that connects the two halves of the instrument. The design is specific to a latitude of 47 degrees, as noted by the inscription on the dial face.
- Instrumentation and Markings
- Central to the horizontal dial plate is a compass with a diameter of 18 mm. This component is marked with the four cardinal points: 'SE', 'OR', 'ME', and 'OC', and also features markings for magnetic variation, which were necessary for the accurate alignment of the sundial. The vertical dial inside the lid is inscribed with hour lines ranging from 6 to 12 to 6, while the horizontal plate features hours marked from 4 to 12 to 8. The maker is identified through the initials 'I E', found at the base of the dial, which are presumed by the museum to represent Johann Eicktet. The instrument also carries the Latin inscription 'POLVS . HEH . 47 . GRAD', which specifies the latitude for which the dial was calibrated. The date 1584 is engraved directly onto the main horizontal dial plate, serving as a primary indicator of the instrument's age.
Identification
- Inventory number
- 53969
- 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 initials 'I E' are presumed to be for Johann Eicktet
- Research required: The latitude calibration is set for 47 degrees, as inscribed on the dial