Horizontal Dial, circa 1600 ?

Technical characteristics

Form

Lute

Type

Nuremberg horizontal dial

Materials

Ivory and brass

Decoration

Stars, geometrical decoration and foliage

Dimensions

64 x 26 x 15 mm

Dial markings

Hour lines 4 to 12 to 8

Place recorded

Nuremberg

Design

Functionality

The sundial relies on a string gnomon for its operation, although the string is currently absent from the device. Given its small size and the presence of a suspension ring, it is suggested that the instrument was not intended for precise timekeeping tasks. The dial is categorized as a horizontal dial despite its unconventional casing. The hour lines, ranging from 4 to 8, are fixed onto the ivory plate inside the lute body, indicating a specialized layout for a string-gnomon style dial. The central compass would have been required to orient the dial correctly during use, regardless of its primary role as jewellery.

Visible features

• Hinged lid opens to reveal the internal dial plate • Suspension ring attached to the end of the lute neck • Central compass positioned within the ivory dial plate • Exterior surfaces decorated with stars and geometric motifs

Construction and Design

The instrument is designed in the shape of a miniature lute, an unusual form for a horizontal sundial. It incorporates a hinged lid, which provides protection for the internal components when the device is closed. A suspension ring is located at the top of the neck, facilitating its use as a pendant, which implies the object served a decorative purpose as jewellery. The internal ivory plate is carved with hour lines calibrated from 4 to 12 to 8. A compass is positioned centrally on this plate. The exterior, including the neck and back of the instrument, features ornamental star symbols, foliage, and geometric patterns. The lid previously featured glass inlay, which is now broken, and a paper layer underneath that has detached.

Condition and Attribution

The provenance of this dial is recorded under the British Museum accession number MLA 1858, 6-16.1. The instrument was acquired in 1858. The source indicates that the condition is not optimal, noting specific losses and damage to the original materials. The dial is unsigned, but it is attributed to Nuremberg with a date of circa 1600. The source acknowledges the uncertainty of this dating by appending a question mark. It is noted that a similar lute-shaped pendant exists in the Museum of London, though that item does not function as a horizontal dial.

Identification

Accession number

MLA 1858, 6-16.1

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.