Horizontal Dial by Humfrey Cole
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1579
This brass horizontal dial, measuring 180 mm by 180 mm, was crafted by Humfrey Cole in 1579. Designed for outdoor use, the square brass plate features four mounting holes for attachment to a pedestal, suggesting an original setting within a garden environment.
The instrument face includes an hour ring calibrated from 4 to 12 to 8, with subdivisions for half-hours. Centrally positioned is a decorated compass rose indicating the eight principal cardinal directions. The gnomon is set at an angle of approximately 52 degrees, corresponding to the latitude of London. The plate is signed '+ H + C?le + + 1579 +' and bears the name of the original owner, Sir Henry Darcy, near the south point of the hour circle.
Throughout its history, the surface has been subjected to weathering and retains various etched marks and names from subsequent users.
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
- 1579
- Type
- English horizontal dial
- Maker
- Humfrey Cole
- Owner
- Sir Henry Darcy
- Signature
- + H + C?le + + 1579 +
- Dimensions
- 180 mm x 180 mm
- Gnomon Angle
- Approximately 52 degrees
- Place recorded
- England
- Maker / attribution
- Humfrey Cole
Design
- Visible features
- • Square brass plate with four corner mounting holes. • Hour ring calibrated from 4 through 12 to 8. • Central compass rose detailing eight directions. • Surface exhibits visible scratching and wear.
- Inscriptions and Signatures
- The maker’s identity and the date of manufacture are clearly established through an engraved signature on the plate. The inscription, '+ H + C?le + + 1579 +', confirms Humfrey Cole as the maker during his period of activity in London. The dial also carries a specific reference to its first owner, Sir Henry Darcy, whose name appears engraved beside the south point of the hour circle. This addition of an owner's name provides documentation of the dial's early provenance, linking it to
- Historical Context and Condition
- Over the centuries, the instrument has undergone physical changes resulting from its exposure to environmental elements. It shows clear signs of weathering, which is consistent with its intended use on an outdoor pedestal. Beyond environmental degradation, the surface bears evidence of human interaction occurring after its initial production. Various names and initials have been scratched into the brass, suggesting that subsequent owners or individuals encountering the instrument left their marks, adding layers of history to the original surface engraving.
- Physical Construction and Design
- The instrument consists of a square brass plate measuring 180 mm by 180 mm, designed for permanent outdoor installation. The plate features four pre-drilled holes at the corners intended for fixing the dial to a pedestal, a configuration that supports the interpretation of its original use in a garden setting. The dial face displays an hour scale running from 4 to 12 to 8, marked with half-hour subdivisions. Integrated within the hour circle is an ornamental compass rose indicating the eight primary directions. The gnomon is oriented at an angle of approximately 52 degrees, which is consistent with the latitude of London where the object was manufactured.
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 exact latitude for which the gnomon was intended is only approximately 52 degrees.
- Research required: The authorship of all additional scratched initials remains unverified.