Inclining dial by Alexius Schniep
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1578
This inclining string gnomon sundial was created in 1578 by Alexius Schniep in Munich. The instrument measures 67 x 44 x 11 mm and is constructed from gilt brass.
It consists of a hollow base containing a magnetic compass and a hinged lid that serves as the sundial. The dial features an hour scale, zodiac signs, and a string gnomon supported by a folding structure decorated with fish motifs. The base holds a rotatable compass for determining magnetic variation, complete with a degree scale. The exterior of the instrument includes a latitude table for 32 locations, while the underside is engraved with a figure of a woman, identified as a possible representation of Urania, set within an architectural archway.
The maker's signature is positioned beneath the folding gnomon support, remaining visible only when the support is in its folded position.
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
- 1578
- Type
- German inclining dial
- Maker
- Alexius Schniep
- Materials
- Gilt brass
- Dimensions
- 67 x 44 x 11 mm
- Place recorded
- Munich
- Signature location
- Beneath the gnomon support
- Maker / attribution
- Alexius Schniep
- Place of manufacture
- Munich
Design
- Visible features
- • Hinged gilt brass box construction • Folding gnomon support featuring fish motifs • Integral compass with degree scale for magnetic variation • Engraved female figure on the base underside
- Functional Components
- The base of the device contains a central compass, measuring 23 mm in diameter, which can be rotated to account for magnetic variation. This sits upon a circular disc etched with a degree scale from 0 to 90. The exterior face of the lid is inscribed with a latitude table titled 'TAB: LATITVDINIS REGIONVM', providing latitudinal coordinates for 32 geographic locations. The instrument also includes a plummet for setting the dial according to specific latitudes.
- Construction and Design
- The instrument is a compact, gilt brass device measuring 67 x 44 x 11 mm. It features a hinged lid-and-box arrangement, with a suspension ring that also serves as a locking mechanism. The interior of the lid is designed as an inclining string-gnomon dial. The dial includes a folding gnomon support held by a sprung catch; the structure is decorated with engravings of fish. The string itself emerges from an engraved sun, featuring a knot used to indicate the sun's declination against labeled zodiac lines on the dial plate.
- Signature and Decoration
- The maker's signature, 'HOC OPVS FECIT ALEXIVS SCHNIEP DE MONACO', is inscribed beneath the base of the gnomon support, hidden during active use. The date '1578' is engraved at the northern end of the main base. The underside of the instrument features an engraved architectural scene containing a female figure.
Identification
- Inventory number
- 52396
- 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 female figure on the base is presumed to be the goddess Urania.
- Research required: The signature is only visible when the gnomon support is folded.