Gilt and silvered brass polyhedral scaphe dial
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 16thC
This late 16th-century scientific instrument comprises a plain octagonal gilt and silvered brass cup mounted on an urn-shaped pedestal stand, alongside a removable polyhedral lid with a baluster finial.
The interior of the cup is configured as a scaphe dial engraved with astrological house divisions in the Regiomontanus system, declination curves, and hour lines calibrated for approximately 47° N latitude. The polyhedral lid features four distinct pin-gnomon sundials across its facets, including equinoctial and reclining horizontal dials. The source reports that the instrument originally oriented using an integrated compass well in the base set for magnetic deviation, allowing solar time measurement.
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
- Type
- Polyhedral sundial / scaphe dial
- Latitude
- Circa 47° N
- Materials
- Gilt and silvered copper alloy (brass)
- Dimensions
- 130 mm height, 63 mm diameter
- House Division
- Regiomontanus system
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Attributed Origin
- Germany (Southern?)
Design
- Visible features
- • Plain octagonal cup mounted on a turned, fluted urn-shaped pedestal foot • Detached polyhedral lid featuring engraved dial lines, hour markings, and a central baluster finial • Gnomon pins projecting from the facets of the lid and within the interior lining of the cup
- Dialling and Scaphe Configuration
- The exterior of the lid features four facets configured as pin-gnomon sundials, marked for northern and southern orientation. These include an equinoctial dial and various reclining horizontal dials. Each face includes a vertical line to indicate the required gnomon length. The interior scaphe serves as an azimuth dial with a sloping gnomon and house divisions according to the Regiomontanus system. The current internal pin gnomon is reported as a later replacement that is not of sufficient length to serve its intended function.
- Physical Description and Assembly
- This scientific instrument is composed of gilt and silvered brass. It features a plain octagonal cup mounted on a stand and a detachable polyhedral lid topped by a baluster finial. The base assembly includes a domed circular foot engraved with roundels, supporting an urn-shaped stem with alternating raised flutes and straps. The current stand is described by the source as very poorly executed and potentially a later replacement. The overall dimensions are recorded as 130 mm in height and 63 mm in diameter.
- Orientation and Operational Context
- The instrument includes an integrated compass well in the base, intended for setting to a magnetic deviation of approximately 9° E. This well is currently empty, with the glass and needle missing. The instrument is calibrated for approximately 47° N latitude, which the source notes suggests a South German origin dating to the late 16th century.
Identification
- Reference
- 1922,0705.6
- 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: Source notes the stand is poorly executed and may be a later replacement
- Research required: Source identifies the internal pin gnomon as a later replacement
- Research required: Source records the compass well as empty, with glass and needle missing