Inclining string gnomon sundial by Markus Purmann
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1597
This inclining string gnomon sundial was crafted in 1597 by Markus Purmann. Constructed from gilt brass and silver, the instrument measures 57 x 47 x 12 mm. It functions as a portable timekeeping device, providing time in both ordinary and Italian hours.
The dial features a suspension ring that acts as a locking mechanism for the hinged lid. Internally, the instrument includes an inclining dial plate with a folding, decorated gnomon support and a plummet to assist in setting the instrument for latitudes between 40 and 52 degrees. It also contains two volvelles for time conversion, an inset compass, and an engraved table of latitudes on the underside listing 32 locations.
The sides of the box are decorated with foliage engravings. This instrument, formerly part of the Roussel and Lewis Evans collections, is currently housed in the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford.
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
- 1597
- Type
- German inclining dial
- Maker
- Markus Purmann
- Material
- Gilt brass and silver
- Dimensions
- 57 x 47 x 12 mm
- Provenance
- Roussel and Lewis Evans collections
- Latitude Range
- 40 to 52 degrees
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Markus Purmann
Design
- Visible features
- • Hinged lid with internal volvelle and star engraving • Folding, ornately shaped gnomon support • Inset compass on the main dial plate • Cardinal directions engraved on the plate edges
- Construction and Design
- The dial is housed in a gilt brass box with a hinged cover, measuring 57 mm by 47 mm by 12 mm. The exterior sides of the box feature foliage engravings. A suspension ring is attached to the exterior, which serves as both a method for carrying the dial on a chain or belt and as a clasp to lock the lid in a closed position. The interior of the lid contains a volvelle for converting between equal and Italian hours, centered around a star engraving. The main interior box features an inclining dial plate equipped with a folding gnomon support that is held in a perpendicular position by a spring and includes an integrated plummet for leveling. The dial plate itself is pivoted to allow for latitude adjustment.
- Signatures and Provenance
- The signature '15 [star]M[star]P[star] 97' is engraved on the plate inside the cover, identifying the maker as Markus Purmann. The stylistic execution of the volvelle is compared to similar instruments produced by Ulrich Schniep. The instrument's history is documented through its inclusion in the Roussel Collection and the Lewis Evans Collection, specifically listed as G. 362. It is currently held by the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford, under inventory number 42672.
- Horological and Geographic Functions
- The instrument is designed to indicate time in both ordinary and Italian hour systems. The dial plate includes a latitude scale ranging from 40 to 52 degrees, marked in two-degree increments, allowing the user to adapt the instrument to different geographic locations. An inset compass, measuring 12 mm in diameter, is mounted into the dial plate to assist with orientation. The underside of the base plate features a table titled 'Tabula latitudinis Regionum', which provides the latitudes for 32 distinct locations. Additional functionality is provided by the two volvelles, which permit the conversion of hours, utilizing the sun's declination and local sunset times.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- 42672
- 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 specific intended function of the knot or bead on the string gnomon remains theoretical
- Research required: Exact manufacturing location within Germany is not specified beyond the national attribution