Diptych dial by Ulrich Schniep
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1579
This 1579 diptych dial, also known as a viatorium, was crafted by Ulrich Schniep in Munich. Constructed from brass and silvered copper, the instrument measures 58 x 40 x 13 mm.
It features two leaves containing complex horological data. The exterior of the upper leaf contains seven concentric rings providing astronomical information, including zodiac entry dates, day length, and month abbreviations. The interior of the upper leaf houses a 'wegweiser' with a rotating arm and various inscriptions. The lower leaf includes a central compass recess and a silvered brass plate engraved with a sun effigy and a time scale from 4 to 12 to 8.
The object exhibits extensive strapwork engraving throughout its surfaces. The diptych mechanism is supported by a folding plummet-holder, though several original components, including the needle, compass glass, string gnomon, and closing catch, are now missing.
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
- 1579
- Type
- German diptych dial
- Maker
- Ulrich Schniep
- Material
- Brass and silvered copper
- Dimensions
- 58 x 40 x 13 mm
- Provenance
- A.W. Franks
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Ulrich Schniep
- Place of manufacture
- Munich
Design
- Visible features
- • Missing compass glass, needle and suspension string • Folding plummet-holder assembly visible • Strapwork engraving on exterior surfaces • Engraved sun effigy below compass recess
- Construction and Condition
- The device is fashioned from brass and silvered copper with decorative strapwork covering the exterior leaves and the sides. While two mechanical catches remain to secure the instrument in an open position, the primary latch required to keep the unit closed is missing. The object is catalogued as part of the British Museum's collection following its donation by A.W. Franks in 1871. It remains a documented example of Schniep's production, noted for its specific viatorium construction and integrated wegweiser.
- Internal Components and Compass
- The lower leaf contains a silvered brass plate and a recessed circular aperture for a compass. Although the original needle and glass cover are absent, the base of the recess is engraved with directional markers including 'S', 'OR', 'M', and 'OC'. Above the compass, the silvered surface features engraved common hours ranging from 4 to 12 to 8, accompanied by a sun effigy. The folding plummet-holder, situated between the leaves, once served as the attachment point for the string gnomon, which is no longer present.
- Upper Leaf Exterior and Astronomical Data
- The outer face of the upper leaf is composed of seven distinct concentric rings used for astronomical calculations. The outermost ring contains Latin inscriptions regarding solar longitude and zodiacal entry. Subsequent rings provide numerical data related to calendar dates, month abbreviations, day length in hours, and zodiac signs. A central inscription identifies the elevation for which the dial was calculated as 49 degrees. The arrangement of numbers within the rings accounts for the varying speed of the sun along the ecliptic, with certain months assigned dual values to reflect these fluctuations. The surrounding spandrel spaces are decorated with engraved strapwork.
Identification
- Accession number
- MLA 1871, 11-15.11
- 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: Original string gnomon is missing
- Research required: Compass glass and needle are missing
- Research required: Catch for closing the instrument is missing