Hans Tucher Diptych Dial
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1600
This diptych sundial, attributed to either Hans Tucher II or Hans Tucher III, is constructed from ivory and brass with dimensions of 130 x 94 x 12 mm. It comprises multiple integrated time-measuring features, including a string gnomon dial, various pin gnomon dials calibrated for different latitudes, and a lunar volvelle for nocturnal timekeeping.
The instrument features intricate stamped inscriptions, colored with brown, black, and red fills, alongside a windrose and a compass bowl. Signed by Hans Tucher with his crowned serpent maker's mark, the dial displays complex layouts for Italian, German, Babylonian, and Bohemian hours. Several components are noted as missing or damaged, including the index arm, wind vane, compass needle, glass, and string gnomons. The object was gifted to the British Museum in 1871 by A.W.
Franks.
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
- circa 1600
- Type
- Nuremberg diptych dial
- Maker
- Hans Tucher
- Materials
- Ivory and brass
- Dimensions
- 130 x 94 x 12 mm
- Maker's mark
- Crowned serpent
- Museum number
- MLA 1871,11-15.17
- Place recorded
- Nuremberg
- Place of origin
- Nuremberg
- Maker / attribution
- Hans Tucher
Design
- Visible features
- • Ivory construction with stamped, colored inscriptions • Missing compass needle and glass cover • Crowned serpent maker's mark visible on the dial faces • Multiple pin gnomon scales for distinct geographic latitudes
- Construction and Design
- The diptych dial is crafted from ivory and brass, measuring 130 by 94 by 12 mm. Its design utilizes stamped inscriptions enhanced with brown, black, and red pigments. The upper leaf displays a windrose on its outer surface, while the interior is equipped with pin gnomon dials for various latitudes, specifically 44 and 51 degrees, for measuring day length and Italian hours. The lower leaf includes a string gnomon dial for German hours with scales for latitudes 42, 48, and 54 degrees. Additionally, it contains a compass bowl, though it is currently missing the needle and glass cover. On the lower section are pin gnomon dials for Babylonian and Bohemian hours, calibrated for latitudes 44 and 50 degrees respectively.
- Condition and Attribution
- Attribution of this instrument is based on comparisons with other dated dials, pointing toward either Hans Tucher II or Hans Tucher III around the year 1600. The auction house reports noted that several elements are missing, including an index arm, a wind vane, and the compass needle and its protective glass. The dial contains minor textual errors where letters in inscriptions remain unfilled with color or are otherwise marked as mistakes. The instrument was presented to the museum collection in 1871 by A.W. Franks and remains documented in the catalogue of European scientific instruments held by the Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities.
- Nocturnal and Lunar Functions
- The inner surface of the lower leaf serves as a lunar volvelle designated as a 'COMPASSVS NOCTVRNVS'. This component features a stamped scale numbered 1 to 29 and a fixed silver dial marked 1 to 12 twice. A rotating brass dial with an index arm and crescent-shaped cutout allows for the indication of moon phases and nighttime hours. The mechanism is decorated with stars and a crescent moon. It includes symbols for phases such as the new moon and full moon. The instrument also features the maker's identification, 'H D' for Hans Tucher, accompanied by his trade mark, a crowned serpent, providing a distinct signature for this specialized nocturnal timekeeping device.
Identification
- Reference
- MLA 1871,11-15.17
- 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 exact identity between Hans Tucher II and III remains unconfirmed
- Research required: Various missing parts including an index arm and a wind vane limit the original functional capacity