Horizontal Sundial, Late 16th century ?
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Late 16th century ?
This horizontal dial is an elliptical gilt brass box measuring 72 x 90 x 12 mm. Designed as a portable scientific instrument, it features a suspension ring and a hook closure mechanism.
The exterior of the box is decorated with engraving featuring vases, flowers, and foliage, while the interior of the lid remains blank. The instrument includes a foldable pin gnomon and a small integrated compass positioned on the dial plate. The sundial displays Italian hours ranging from 12 to 22. Additional common hour numerals (VIII, X, XII, I, II, III, IIII) are engraved along the equinox line. The instrument is unsigned and is of German origin.
It was bequeathed to the British Museum as part of the Octavius Morgan Bequest in 1888.
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
- Late 16th century ?
- Type
- German horizontal dial
- Origin
- German
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Dial type
- Horizontal dial
- Dimensions
- 72 x 90 x 12 mm
- Provenance
- Octavius Morgan Bequest
- Place recorded
- Germany
Design
- Visible features
- • Elliptical gilt brass box form • Foldable pin gnomon • Integrated compass on the dial plate • Engraved foliage decoration on the exterior rim
- Dialing and Markings
- The instrument functions as a horizontal sundial, with hour lines primarily indicating Italian hours, which are marked from 12 to 22. These are standard features of the primary dial plate layout. However, the surface also contains common hour numerals including VIII, X, XII, I, II, III, and IIII, which are positioned along the equinox line. The source notes that the engraving of the common hours differs from the rest of the instrument's execution. These markings are described as crude and are believed to have been added after the original manufacture of the dial. This distinction between the primary dial layout and the secondary hour lines suggests a modification to the instrument's utility at some point following its creation.
- Construction and Decoration
- The sundial is constructed in the form of an elliptical gilt brass box, measuring 72 by 90 by 12 mm. The exterior surface and the rim of the box are detailed with fine engravings, featuring motifs of vases, flowers, and foliage. The instrument is functional as a portable device, equipped with a suspension ring for carrying and a small hook to keep the box closed when not in use. In contrast to the exterior, the interior of the lid is left plain, while the base of the box contains the dial plate. The dial is equipped with a small compass for orientation and a folding pin gnomon that can be raised for use.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The sundial is currently held by the British Museum in London, registered under the accession number MLA 1888, 12-1.291. It entered the collection as part of the Octavius Morgan Bequest in 1888. Specifically, it is cited in the catalogue by F. A. B. Ward, titled 'A Catalogue of European Scientific Instruments in the Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities of the British Museum'. This reference confirms the object's inclusion in established museum records regarding historical instrumentation, identifying it as a German-made, unsigned horizontal dial from the late 16th century.
Identification
- Inventory number
- MLA 1888, 12-1.291
- 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: Date is provided with a question mark by the source
- Research required: Common hour engravings are considered potentially later additions