Inclining Dial by Ulrich Schniep
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1587
This brass inclining dial, measuring 55 x 37 x 14 mm when closed, is a portable timekeeping instrument signed by Ulrich Schniep and dated 1587, Munich. The instrument functions as a box with a hinged lid.
The exterior lid surface displays a table of latitudes for 31 European cities. The interior of the lid contains a volvelle for converting common hours into Italian hours, surrounding cardinal direction markers and the maker's inscription. The base contains a string gnomon dial featuring a folding plummet holder engraved with sea monster motifs, and a magnetic compass mounted on a rotating silvered disc. The dial plate is pivoted, allowing it to be tilted for use at latitudes ranging from 42 to 52 degrees.
The outer surfaces are decorated with strapwork and scrollwork. It was donated to the British Museum in 1844 by J. B. Heath.
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
- 1587
- Type
- German inclining dial
- Maker
- Ulrich Schniep
- Material
- Brass
- Dimensions
- 55 x 37 x 14 mm
- Provenance
- J. B. Heath
- Latitude Range
- 42 to 52 degrees
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Ulrich Schniep
Design
- Visible features
- • Hinged brass box construction with engraved strapwork and scrollwork • Folding plummet assembly engraved with twin sea monsters or dragon heads • Rotating magnetic compass set on a silvered degree scale disc • Volvelle on inner lid for common-to-Italian hour conversion
- Signatures and History
- The instrument is signed 'VS' with the date '1587'. This item is identified as one of the final instruments created by Ulrich Schniep before his death in 1588. The instrument was acquired by the British Museum in 1844 following a presentation by J. B. Heath. It is documented in the catalogue of European Scientific Instruments by F. A. B. Ward.
- Construction and Design
- The inclining dial is fabricated from brass and designed as a portable box with a lid. It features an integrated string gnomon dial and a magnetic compass. The exterior surface of the box is embellished with decorative strapwork and scrollwork. The internal components include a tilting dial plate that allows the instrument to be adjusted for specific geographic latitudes. The folding mechanism includes a plummet assembly, which is engraved with images of dragon's heads or sea monsters. The magnetic compass is mounted on a rotatable silvered disc that permits adjustment for magnetic declination. The hour lines on the dial are focused around a central sun effigy, numbered 4 through 12 to 8.
- Timekeeping and Latitude
- The lid functions as an information source, listing 31 European cities with their respective latitudes. Inside the lid, a volvelle provides a means to convert common hours into Italian hours, utilizing a fixed outer ring and a central silvered disc. An inscription inside provides the instruction for this conversion. The dial plate is pivoted at the edges of the box to accommodate varying latitudes. A plummet on the dial base indicates the tilt required for latitudes between 42 and 52 degrees. The compass can be rotated to account for magnetic declination between 0 and 30 degrees in either direction from true north.
Identification
- Reference
- MLA 1844, 7-30.1
- Inventory Number
- MLA 1844, 7-30.1
- 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 identification of the sea monster motifs on the plummet holder is descriptive rather than documented
- Research required: The full range of latitude adjustment is stated as 42 to 52 degrees based on plummet markings