Diptych Dial by Paul Reinmann, 1584
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1584
This diptych dial is constructed from ivory and brass and measures 71 x 115 x 18 mm. Attributed to the maker Paul Reinmann and dated 1584, the instrument originates from Nuremberg.
The dial comprises two ivory leaves hinged together, featuring multiple time-telling mechanisms including string gnomon dials, pin gnomon dials, and a brass volvelle. The surface is engraved with inscriptions providing instructions for use, latitudes of various cities, and religious mottos, including 'SOLI DEO GLORIA'. The instrument incorporates a compass (now missing) and various compartments designed for components including a brass latitude arm and a wind vane.
The dial is signed and dated on the lower inner leaf. The piece shows evidence of missing components, including the triangular gnomon, the compass, the latitude arm, and the wind vane, as well as a possible missing central volvelle on the upper leaf.
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
- Nuremberg diptych dial
- Maker
- Paul Reinmann
- Materials
- Ivory and brass
- Signature
- PAVLVS REINMAN NORIMBERGAE FACIEBAT ANNO DOMINI 1584
- Dimensions
- 71 x 115 x 18 mm
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Paul Reinmann
- Place of manufacture
- Nuremberg
Design
- Condition Report
- Several components of the dial are absent. The triangular gnomon is missing, as are the compass, the latitude adjusting arm, and the wind vane. The ivory surface retains visible engraved markings, although certain areas of text remain illegible due to the positioning of existing brass elements. The instrument exhibits signs of wear and age, consistent with the loss of its original movable parts.
- Visible features
- • Red-colored hour numerals are used on the internal dials. • The object features engraved sun effigies and stars as decorative elements. • An internal inscription warns against placing the compass near iron. • A maker's mark consisting of a crown is punched twice on the outer side of the lower leaf.
- Construction and Layout
- The diptych dial is composed of two ivory leaves connected by a hinge, with inset brass elements. The exterior of the upper leaf features a rotating brass volvelle decorated with foliage, engraved with month initials and hour lines. The interior of the upper leaf contains a pin gnomon dial with zodiacal symbols and a string gnomon dial. The lower leaf interior houses a recessed area for a compass, surrounded by a string gnomon dial and a pin gnomon dial displaying Italian and Babylonian hours. Compartments are integrated into the sides for the storage of auxiliary components, including a brass latitude arm and a wind vane. The overall construction incorporates engraved lists of cities and their respective latitudes, alongside various mottos and operational instructions in German and Latin.
- Signatures and Inscriptions
- The instrument is signed by Paul Reinmann, with the inscription 'PAVLVS REINMAN NORIMBERGAE FACIEBAT ANNO DOMINI 1584' located on the bottom part of the inner upper leaf. The object displays a maker's mark in the form of a crown, which is punched twice on the outer lower leaf. Numerous inscriptions provide utility and context for the dial. These include instructions for the compass, latitude scales, and the definition of different hour systems used by the instrument. Religious inscriptions such as 'SOLI DEO GLORIA' are present on the lower leaf, alongside the names of cardinal points and decorative solar motifs.
Identification
- Inventory number
- 48146
- 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 source indicates that the central volvelle on the inner upper leaf is probably missing.
- Research required: The source notes that the writing around the upper outer volvelle is obscured and cannot be read.