Michael Butterfield Silver Pocket Sundial
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 17th century
This octagonal silver pocket sundial is attributed by the source to Michael Butterfield, produced in Paris in the late seventeenth century. The instrument features an adjustable hinged gnomon designed with an engraved bird figure.
The top plate is engraved with concentric Roman and Arabic numeral hour scales corresponding to latitudes 43, 46, 49, and 52 degrees, and carries the signature 'Butterfield Paris' near the gnomon base. An inset circular glazed magnetic compass incorporates block lettering for cardinal points, with 'OUEST' visible. The source notes that the reverse is engraved with latitudes for twenty-two principal cities.
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
- Type
- Pocket sundial
- Origin
- Paris, late 17th century
- Dimensions
- Length 3 in., width 2 3/4 in.
- Horary Scales
- Latitudes 43, 46, 49, and 52
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker Signature
- Butterfield Paris
- Maker / attribution
- Michael Butterfield
- Reverse Inscription
- Latitudes of twenty-two principle cities
Design
- Visible features
- • Octagonal silver horizontal plate engraved with multiple concentric hour tracks in Roman and Arabic numerals. • Hinged gnomon incorporates a carved and engraved bird motif acting as an adjustable index. • Integrated glazed circular compass well contains a magnetic needle with cardinal points engraved in capital letters, including 'OUEST'. • Signature 'Butterfield' is clearly engraved in cursive script directly beneath the gnomon hinge.
- Reverse Engraving
- The auction description states that the reverse side of the sundial is engraved with a list of latitudes for twenty-two principal cities. This specific detail is not visible in the provided photographic documentation.
- Dial and Compass Features
- The horizontal dial plate is engraved with concentric horary scales using both Roman and Arabic numerals. These scales correspond to latitudes 43, 46, 49, and 52. An inset circular compass is present on the plate, covered by glazing. The compass features cardinal points rendered in block lettering.
- Object Description and Attribution
- The instrument is a silver, octagonal pocket sundial documented in the source record as being produced by Michael Butterfield in Paris during the late 17th century. The piece features a hinged gnomon with an adjustable index shaped like a bird, and a signature 'Butterfield Paris' located at the base of the hinge.
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.
Research required
- Research required: The reverse side engraving with city latitudes is reported by the auction catalog but is not visible in the photograph.