Horizontal string gnomon sundial by Andreas Mar

Technical characteristics

Date

1589

Type

German horizontal dial

Maker

Andreas Mar

Compass

19 mm diameter

Material

Gilt copper

Signature

ANDREA . MAR . FECET

Dimensions

51 x 34 x 13 mm

Provenance

Lewis Evans Collection

Place recorded

Germany

Maker / attribution

Andreas Mar

Design

Visible features

• Hinged lid with a suspension ring • Folding gnomon support with integral plummet • Inset circular compass with cardinal markers • Engraved sun figure at the gnomon anchor point

Provenance and Condition

The object is held by the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford, under inventory number 53639. The instrument was previously part of the Lewis Evans Collection, catalogued under reference G. 398. The current physical condition is noted by the presence of a broken clasp, which suggests the lid may not secure as intended. Beyond the clasp, the description identifies that the instrument remains a functional representative of portable dials from the late 16th century.

Construction and Dial Layout

The instrument is constructed as a rectangular box in gilt copper, measuring 51 x 34 x 13 mm, and includes a hinged lid intended to protect the internal components. When opened, the main box reveals a horizontal string-gnomon sundial. The string originates from the center of an engraved sun motif and is tensioned by a folding gnomon support. This support is sprung to lock into a vertical position and integrates a plummet to assist the user in leveling the instrument. The hour scale on the main bed is inscribed from 4 to 12 to 8. For orientation, the dial includes an inset compass 19 mm in diameter. This compass features a cross of direction with markers labeled 'S', 'OR', 'M', and 'OC' and is specifically marked to account for magnetic variation. Decorative engraving is applied to the exterior base and sides of the box.

Lid Decoration and Signatures

The exterior of the hinged cover is decorated with a coat of arms set within a border, along with the initials 'H P' and the year 1589. These are considered to represent the original owner who commissioned the object. The sides of the lid are finished with hatched engraving. The underside of the lid contains a circular scale numbered 1 to 12, framed by an engraved wreath. The maker’s signature, 'ANDREA . MAR . FECET', is engraved along the edge of this internal lid surface. It is suggested that a rotating index may have once been fixed at the center of the circular scale on the inside lid, though this is not present.

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.