Nocturnal and Regiomontanus-type Sundial by Caspar Vopel
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1551
This gilt brass nocturnal and sundial, measuring 180 mm in length, was created by Caspar Vopel in Cologne in 1551. It functions as a multipurpose timekeeping and astronomical tool, featuring an elaborate nocturnal on one side and a Regiomontanus-type dial on the reverse.
The nocturnal incorporates a calendar scale, zodiacal rings, and multiple indices, including a lunar volvelle with phase displays and life-cycle allegories. The sundial side features a latitude scale, shadow squares, and a meridian scale, all inscribed with Latin nomenclature. The instrument includes a handle engraved with a coat-of-arms and descriptive text. The source reports that certain components, specifically one top sight and the central alidade, are missing, and the thread for the dial arm is absent.
The instrument is held in the collection of the British Museum.
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
- 1551
- Type
- German nocturnal and sundial
- Maker
- Caspar Vopel
- Length
- 180 mm
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Signature
- CASPAR VOPELI<VS> FACIEBAT COLONIE AGRIPPI ANNO 1551
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Place of origin
- Cologne
- Maker / attribution
- Caspar Vopel
Design
- Visible features
- • Includes a lunar volvelle with life phases inscribed as juvenile, virile, senile, and decrepit • Features a Regiomontanus-type dial with an 'HORARIVM VNIVERSALE' inscription • Contains shadow scales on the limb marked 'QVADRANS ASTRONOMICVS' and 'QVADRANS GAEOMETRICVS' • Engraved with a coat-of-arms on the handle
- Construction and Design
- The instrument is composed of gilt brass and measures 180 mm in length. It serves a dual purpose, functioning as a nocturnal on one side and a Regiomontanus-type sundial on the other. The nocturnal side contains several concentric scales, including a calendar scale, zodiacal ring, and an index for solar and lunar time. The lunar index is pierced to represent moon phases and includes inscriptions correlating these phases to the life cycle. The reverse face features an 'HORARIVM VNIVERSALE' for latitude calculation, utilizing shadow squares designated as 'VMBRA RECTA' and 'VMBRA VERSA'. The limb of the instrument is marked with astronomical and geometric quadrants. The handle is engraved with a coat-of-arms and Latin text detailing the nocturnal functions of the device.
- Condition and Provenance
- The British Museum acquired the instrument in 1895, where it is documented under registration number MLA 1895, 3-19.1. It is recorded in the 1981 catalog of European Scientific Instruments by F. A. B. Ward. The thread intended for the dial arm is also missing. Comparisons are drawn to similar instruments, such as a nocturnal by the same maker formerly at auction and an example housed at the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford.
- Inscriptions and Markings
- The instrument is extensively inscribed in Latin, denoting its function and astronomical utility. The nocturnal displays month names, zodiacal signs, and star symbols alongside planetary aspects such as 'OPPOSITVS', 'TRIGONVS', and 'TETRAGONVS'. The index plates are clearly labeled with 'INDEX SOLIS' and 'INDEX LVNAE'. The Big Bear constellation is marked with seven stars and labeled 'PLAVST VRSAE'. The sundial side is inscribed with common hours and latitude scales ranging from 0 to 65. It bears the formal signature of the maker, Caspar Vopel, and identifies the place of manufacture as Cologne. The inscriptions on the handle emphasize the universality of the dial, noting its application for various regional latitudes.
Identification
- Inventory number
- MLA 1895, 3-19.1
- 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 source notes the thread for the dial arm is missing
- Research required: The source states that one sight and a central alidade are likely missing