Horizontal Dial, Late 16th century ?
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Late 16th century ?
This unsigned horizontal dial, attributed to the late 16th century, is constructed of gilt copper and measures 110 x 72 x 85 mm. The object is designed in the shape of a casket with a hinged lid, supported by four bun feet.
The main body of the instrument features various engraved tables and dials on its sides, including planetary and hour conversion scales. The top surface contains a central compartment housing a compass, surrounded by hour lines for a string gnomon dial. A second, smaller compartment is positioned on the lid. The interior of the lid is engraved with a 'CALENDARIVM PERPETVVM'. The instrument appears to have been part of a larger assembly, as the interior of the box contains rails for drawers, and other associated parts are currently lost.
It was presented to the British Museum by A.W. Franks in 1871.
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
- Horizontal dial
- Material
- Gilt copper
- Dimensions
- 110 x 72 x 85 mm
- Provenance
- Presented by A.W. Franks in 1871
- Attribution
- Unsigned; Dutch; Late 16th century
- Place recorded
- Netherlands
- Calendar Feature
- Internal lid engraved with 'CALENDARIVM PERPETVVM'
Design
- Visible features
- • The instrument is shaped like a casket standing on four bun feet. • The interior of the lid is engraved with a perpetual calendar. • The sides are densely engraved with conversion tables, including multiplication tables and hour-system converters. • The top surface includes a compass and hour markings for a string gnomon dial.
- Tables and Astronomical Data
- The sides of the box are engraved with a series of tables for planetary calculations and the conversion of various hour systems. These include a 'Tabula Planetarii' on the north side, which lists planetary symbols and names, and the hours of the day and night. The east and west sides contain complex conversion tables. These allow for the conversion of common hours into Italian hours or unequal planetary hours based on the time of sunset, identified as 'Occasus'. Additionally, the south side of the instrument bears a multiplication table.
- Construction and Exterior Form
- The horizontal dial is manufactured from gilt copper and is formed as a rectangular casket, measuring 110 x 72 x 85 mm. The base of the casket rests upon four bun feet. The exterior surfaces are extensively utilized for horological and mathematical data. The main lid features two supplementary compartments. The central compartment contains a compass and the markings for a string gnomon dial. The surface of the lid also includes latitude adjustment holes and various scales, including a calendar and degree markings.
- Internal Features and Provenance
- The inside of the lid is engraved with a perpetual calendar listing specific saints' and holy days throughout the year. The lid also incorporates brass bands and scales for determining day length and solar rise or set times. The object is currently housed at the British Museum and was donated by A.W. Franks in 1871. The interior of the main box is currently empty, though it retains rails originally designed to accommodate sliding drawers.
Identification
- Reference
- MLA 1871, 11-15.5
- Inventory Number
- MLA 1871, 11-15.5
- 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 date is qualified with a question mark by the source.
- Research required: The function of one of the supplementary lid compartments is described as not clear.
- Research required: The string gnomon for the dial is missing.