Horizontal Dial by Ulrich Schniep, 1572
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1572
This horizontal dial, crafted in 1572 by Ulrich Schniep in Munich, is constructed from gilt brass and silver, measuring 59 x 46 x 10 mm. The instrument consists of a recessed cover leaf hinged to a main box with a suspension ring.
The exterior features oak-leaf engraving on the sides and strapwork with foliate patterns on the underside. A lunar and horary volvelle is positioned on the outer face of the cover, while the interior features a table for the length of the day and zodiac degrees, signed with the initials 'VS'. The opposing face contains a horizontal string-gnomon dial with a sprung, folding brass gnomon support incorporating a plummet.
An inset compass, measuring 17 mm in diameter, shows two distinct indications of magnetic variation. The instrument shows evidence of later modification, specifically regarding the latitude setting and the silver hour plate.
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
- 1572
- Type
- German horizontal dial
- Maker
- Ulrich Schniep
- Material
- Gilt brass and silver
- Provenance
- Lewis Evans Collection
- Inscription
- [star] VS [star] 1572 [star]
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Compass Diameter
- 17 mm
- Maker / attribution
- Ulrich Schniep
Design
- Visible features
- • Oak-leaf engraving along the case sides • Folding brass gnomon support with an integrated plummet • Inset compass with dual indicators of magnetic variation • Interior table detailing day length and zodiac signs
- Construction and Design
- The horizontal sundial is housed in a gilt brass box with silver components, measuring 59 by 46 by 10 millimetres. The main assembly includes a recessed cover leaf that is hinged to the base and includes a suspension ring for portability. The exterior surfaces are adorned with decorative engravings; specifically, the sides display an oak-leaf pattern, while the underside of the case is finished with strapwork and foliate designs. The internal layout of the dial features a horizontal string-gnomon dial. A brass gnomon support, which can be folded flat against the dial plate, is sprung to the vertical position and includes a plumb line to ensure accuracy during alignment. A 17-millimetre compass is set directly into the dial plate to assist with orientation.
- Adaptations and Condition
- The instrument displays clear evidence of having been adapted after its initial manufacture. Originally set for a latitude of 46 degrees, the dial shows an alteration to 44.5 degrees, evidenced by both a faint inscription and modifications to the gnomon support holes. The compass is noted to contain two distinct variation lines, one indicating an eastern variation and a later, heavier line marking a westward variation. Furthermore, the silver hour plate is considered a potential later replacement, given the numbering style and the division of the hour lines.
- Functions and Astronomical Features
- The instrument functions as a multifaceted timekeeping device incorporating several astronomical features. The outer face of the lid holds a lunar and horary volvelle, which includes scales for converting between equal, Italian, and Babylonian hours. It also provides a graphic representation of the moon's age and an aspectarium displaying polygons and symbols for planetary aspects. On the inside of the cover, the maker included a reference table correlating the day of the month with zodiac signs and the duration of daylight. This table is inscribed with the maker's initials and the date 1572. The central portion of the volvelle disc also displays the inscription 'INDEX DIERVM AETATIS LVNAE' around a central cutout.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- 44205
- 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 silver hour plate may be a replacement
- Research required: The latitude indication has been altered from 46 degrees to 44.5 degrees