Diptych sundial for latitude 47 degrees
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1623-1628
This ivory diptych sundial was made by Hanns Troschel in Nuremberg between 1623 and 1628 for use at latitude 47 degrees, as recorded by the Science Museum Group.
The instrument incorporates both vertical and horizontal dials, astronomical and astrological markings, a circular compass well, and scales for Italian and Babylonian hours. The interior base of the upright leaf bears the maker's signature 'HANNS TROSCHEL'. According to museum documentation, the object was equipped with a lunar volvelle, wind rose, and pin gnomon, while the wind vane, compass needle, and cover glass are 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
- 1623-1628
- Type
- Diptych sundial
- Maker
- Hanns Troschel
- Missing parts
- Wind vane, compass needle, and cover glass missing
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Material and Type
- Ivory diptych sundial
- Maker / attribution
- Hanns Troschel
Design
- Visible features
- • Hinged ivory diptych open at roughly a right angle, displaying engraved hour lines and astrological symbols filled with dark and red pigment. • The maker's name 'HANNS TROSCHEL' is engraved in red-filled capital letters across the base of the upright leaf. • A central circular compass well is hollowed into the horizontal leaf, marked with cardinal points 'SEP', 'MERI', 'ORI', and 'OCCI'. • A circular through-hole is visible towards the base of the upright leaf.
- Identity and Attributed Provenance
- Catalogued under object number 1992-194 by the Science Museum Group, this instrument is recorded as an ivory diptych sundial designed for latitude 47 degrees. Production is attributed to maker Hanns Troschel in Nuremberg between 1623 and 1628. The maker attribution corresponds directly with physical markings visible on the piece. Across the base of the upright leaf, the inscription 'HANNS TROSCHEL' appears engraved in red-filled capital letters.
- Documented Features and Missing Elements
- Museum cataloguing records that the object was made with vertical and horizontal dial scales, a pin gnomon for Italian and Babylonian hours, a lunar volvelle, and a wind rose (transcribed in the record as 'wind pose'). The museum documentation specifically notes that the wind vane, compass needle, and cover glass are missing.
- Dial Construction and Observable Markings
- The object consists of a hinged ivory diptych open at roughly a right angle, displaying engraved hour lines and astrological symbols filled with dark and red pigment. A central circular compass well is hollowed into the horizontal leaf, marked with cardinal points 'SEP', 'MERI', 'ORI', and 'OCCI'. Additionally, a circular through-hole is visible towards the base of the upright leaf.
Identification
- Object Number
- 1992-194
- 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: Exterior sides, including the lunar volvelle, are not visible in this photograph.
- Research required: The source reports the compass needle, cover glass, and wind vane are missing.