Diptych Dial by Paul Reinmann, 1587
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1587
This diptych dial is an elaborate timekeeping instrument constructed from ivory and brass, measuring 105 x 85 x 15 mm. Signed by the Nuremberg-based maker Paul Reinmann and dated 1587, the object features numerous integrated astronomical and horological functions.
These include a lunar volvelle, a wind rose, an equatorial dial, pin gnomon dials, horizontal and vertical string gnomon dials with Italian hour indications, and a nocturnal. The ivory surfaces are decorated with engraved geometrical patterns, sun effigies, and stars, with stamped inscriptions filled in red and black. Brass components include two holding clasps, a gilt brass lunar volvelle, and a gilt brass nocturnal volvelle.
The instrument reflects a complex arrangement of solar and lunar timekeeping, though it is currently noted as incomplete, with certain pin gnomons missing and the equatorial dial incorrectly set.
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
- 1587
- Type
- Nuremberg diptych dial
- Maker
- Paul Reinmann
- Material
- Ivory and brass
- Signature
- PAVLUS REINMAN NORIMBERG FACIEBAT
- Dimensions
- 105 x 85 x 15 mm
- Maker's mark
- Crown
- Place recorded
- Nuremberg
- Maker / attribution
- Paul Reinmann
Design
- Visible features
- • Ivory surfaces with red and black filled stamped inscriptions • Gilt brass nocturnal volvelle with 23 projecting pins • Two brass clasps used to hold the dial in an open position • Maker's mark of a crown stamped twice in the compass well
- Timekeeping Functions
- The instrument serves as a multi-functional horological device. The horizontal string gnomon dial provides indications for Italian hours across nine circles, though the months associated with these circles are not specified. The upper leaf includes a vertical pin gnomon dial displaying Babylonian hours, numbered 1 to 10, alongside zodiacal symbols. Additional features include an equatorial pin gnomon dial with a 24-hour scale, which currently lacks its pin. The instrument includes a latitude scale marked 'POLVS HEHE' ranging from 5 to 60 degrees, intended for adjusting the equatorial dials. The nocturnal, located on the outer surface of the lower leaf, utilizes a gilt brass volvelle with a long index to track time through stellar observation, although the cursor is missing.
- Construction and Design
- The diptych dial is fabricated from ivory and brass, measuring 105 x 85 x 15 mm. The instrument consists of two leaves connected by hinges, secured by brass clasps that allow for both transport and functional positioning. The decorative program consists of engraved geometrical patterns, sun effigies, lunar crescents, and stars. Stamped inscriptions across the ivory surfaces are finished with red and black pigments. Functionality is distributed across multiple surfaces. The upper leaf includes a windrose with 32 directions and a gilt brass lunar volvelle. The inner surfaces contain pin gnomon and string gnomon dials, while the lower leaf features a horizontal string gnomon dial and a compass well. A nocturnal assembly, also utilizing a gilt brass volvelle, occupies the outer surface of the lower leaf.
- Signatures and Provenance
- The instrument is signed by Paul Reinmann, with the inscription 'PAVLUS REINMAN NORIMBERG FACIEBAT' located on the face of the string gnomon dial. The date 1587 is engraved at the base of the dial alongside a German-language instruction. A maker’s mark, depicted as a crown, is stamped twice within the compass well and at the base of the lower leaf's nocturnal display. The dial was acquired by the British Museum in 1854. It is recorded in the museum's collection under registration number MLA 1854,12-11.1 and has been documented in scholarly catalogues regarding European scientific instruments.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- MLA 1854,12-11.1
- 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: Equatorial pin gnomon dial on the upper leaf is currently set incorrectly
- Research required: Nocturnal on the outer surface of the lower leaf is incomplete with the cursor missing