French Butterfield pattern pocket sundial by Bion
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
early 18th century
This early eighteenth-century French Butterfield pattern pocket sundial is catalogued by Gorringe's as made by Bion, Paris. The instrument features an engraved octagonal silver-plated plate incorporating multiple hour tracks, foliate scroll engraving, and an integrated magnetic compass.
Its adjustable folding gnomon is supported by a bird-shaped strut with a graduated latitude quadrant. According to the auction description, the reverse side is engraved with latitudes of various European cities. The sundial is housed in a fitted hinged leather case lined with faded velvet.
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
- Early 18th century
- Type
- Scientific instrument (pocket sundial)
- Maker
- Bion, Paris
- Enclosure
- Fitted leather case
- Plate Form
- Engraved octagonal plate
- Gnomon Detail
- Supported by birds
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- Bion, Paris
- Reverse Inscriptions
- Latitudes of European cities
Design
- Visible features
- • Engraved octagonal metal dial plate with concentric hour scales and foliate flourishes. • Integrated round magnetic compass glazed with cardinal direction markings. • Folding gnomon supported by a figural bird strut alongside an engraved latitude arc. • Hinged octagonal black leather case with a faded reddish-brown velvet-lined interior.
- Physical Configuration
- The sundial is constructed on an octagonal silver-plated plate. It features engraved hour scales on the upper face. The instrument includes an integrated magnetic compass. The folding gnomon is supported by a bird-shaped strut.
- Storage and Presentation
- The sundial is housed in a fitted leather case. The interior of the case is reported to be faded and stained. The case exhibits a loose hinge.
- Documentation and Condition
- The auction catalogue attributes the object to the maker Bion, Paris, and describes it as an early 18th-century piece. The reverse side is noted to contain engraved latitudes of various European cities. Reported condition issues include wear, loss to the silver plating, and discolouration.
Identification
- 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 maker signature 'Bion, Paris' and the reverse side engraved with European city latitudes are documented by the auctioneer but not visible in the provided image.
- Research required: The source notes wear, loss to silver plating, discolouration, fading and staining to the case lining, and a loose hinge.