Diptych Dial by Paul Reinmann, later 16th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
later 16th century
This diptych dial is attributed to the Nuremberg instrument maker Paul Reinmann based on initials 'P R' and a crown maker's mark. Dating to the later 16th century, the instrument is constructed from ivory and gilt brass, measuring 40 x 30 x 8 mm.
The dial is held within a close-fitting brass container. Its surfaces are adorned with engravings of figures, fruit, and foliage with black pigment infill. The functional components include a volvelle on the upper exterior for converting common hours into Babylonian hours, a vertical string gnomon dial on the inner upper leaf, and a horizontal string gnomon dial with an inset compass on the inner lower leaf. The shield of arms of the Holzschuher family of Nuremberg is located on the inner upper leaf.
The object was donated to the British Museum by A. W. Franks in 1871.
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
- Later 16th century
- Type
- Nuremberg diptych dial
- Maker
- Paul Reinmann
- Materials
- Ivory and gilt brass
- Dimensions
- 40 x 30 x 8 mm
- Maker's Mark
- P R with crown
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Original Ownership
- Holzschuher family
- Maker / attribution
- Paul Reinmann
Design
- Visible features
- • Ivory construction with black-filled engravings throughout. • Internal horizontal compass with a brass bar index. • Holzschuher family armorial shield engraved on the upper inner leaf. • Hinged brass container provided for the instrument.
- Timekeeping Functions
- The dial incorporates multiple timekeeping and calculation features. The outer surface of the upper leaf contains a volvelle consisting of a movable gilt brass disc. This disc allows the conversion of common hours into Babylonian hours based on the length of the day. A set of scales is used to cross-reference common and Babylonian hours via a central index. Internal surfaces feature two string-gnomon dials. The upper leaf interior displays a vertical string gnomon dial with hours numbered 6 to 12 to 6. The lower leaf interior houses a horizontal string gnomon dial with hours numbered 5 to 12 to 7, incorporating an inset compass for orientation. The compass is bridged by a brass bar with a pivoted hand-shaped index.
- Construction and Decoration
- The diptych dial is manufactured from ivory, measuring 40 by 30 by 8 mm, and is housed in a brass container with a hinged lid. The exterior and interior surfaces are covered with engravings featuring male and female figures, cherubs, fruit, leaves, and geometric patterns. In accordance with the manufacturing techniques of the period, the engraved lines and inscriptions are filled with black pigment to increase legibility against the ivory surface. The instrument is accompanied by a brass container designed to fit the dial closely, protecting the ivory surfaces when not in use. The overall design features components made from gilt brass, including the volvelle disc and the compass bridge, which provide structural contrast to the ivory leaves.
- Identification and Provenance
- The instrument is attributed to Paul Reinmann due to the presence of the initials 'P R' and a maker's mark consisting of a crown on the lower leaf near the hinges. The identification is supported by the engraving of the Holzschuher family shield of arms on the inner upper leaf, which serves as an indicator of the original owners. The piece entered the British Museum collection in 1871 as a presentation from A. W. Franks. It is formally recorded in the museum under the registration number MLA 1871,11-15.14 and has been listed in academic catalogues concerning the scientific instrument collection.
Identification
- Reference
- MLA 1871,11-15.14
- Accession Number
- MLA 1871,11-15.14
- 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 attribution is based on initials and mark rather than a full signature.
- Research required: The dating to the later 16th century is an estimate.