Nocturnal and Sundial, 1554
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1554
This combination instrument, dated 1554 and of French origin, measures 54 mm in diameter and is constructed from gilt brass. It integrates both a nocturnal and a sundial, consisting of two superimposed discs of varying diameters.
The obverse features a central disc with an openwork scrolled mount and a suspension ring, with the body engraved as a zodiacal calendar. A toothed volvelle occupies the centre, decorated with symmetrical flowing leaf patterns. An ornate pointer is mounted above the discs, while a smaller pointer extends from the circumference of the smaller disc. The reverse is configured as a vertical plate dial, incorporating a folding pin-gnomon upon a rotatable plate, which is inscribed 'CIRCVLVS MERIDIANVS'.
This instrument is currently held in the collection of the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza in Florence.
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
- 1554
- Type
- French nocturnal and sundial
- Origin
- French
- Diameter
- 54 mm
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Signature
- None
- Place recorded
- France
Design
- Visible features
- • Openwork scrolled suspension mount • Engraved zodiacal calendar on the obverse • Toothed volvelle with symmetrical leaf decoration • Folding pin-gnomon on the reverse side
- Reverse Configuration
- The reverse of the instrument functions as a vertical plate dial. It contains a folding pin-gnomon, which is positioned on a plate that can be rotated within the outer circumference. This outer region is inscribed with the Latin text 'CIRCVLVS [star] MERIDIANVS [star]' and features a latitude quadrant scale reading to 2° increments. Adjacent to the pin-gnomon, a calendar scale is engraved. The hour markings on this side are arranged as I to VIII and IIII to XII, capable of indicating time to a 30-minute resolution. The remaining unoccupied space on the perimeter contains the date of manufacture.
- Provenance and Documentation
- This instrument is currently held in the permanent collection of the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza in Florence. It is registered under the inventory number 2501. The object is documented in the Epact catalogue, a resource regarding scientific instruments in Europe. Anthony J. Turner is cited in connection with the record details provided for this piece.
- Construction and Obverse Design
- The instrument is composed of two superimposed gilt brass discs of unequal diameter. The upper assembly features an openwork scrolled mount that incorporates a suspension ring. The main body of the instrument is engraved with a zodiacal calendar, where 0° Aries is positioned at 10.5 March. This scale reads to 5° increments and 5-day intervals in an anti-clockwise direction. Centered within this arrangement is a toothed volvelle, which features teeth around two-thirds of its circumference. These are numbered IIII to XII and VIII. The central area of this volvelle is filled with symmetrical, flowing leaf decoration, providing both a functional interface and ornamental detailing.
Identification
- Reference
- 2501
- Inventory number
- 2501
- 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: Unsigned object, authorship is not confirmed
- Research required: Exact latitude capabilities are implied by the quadrant scale but not specified
- Research required: Specific functional purpose of the anti-clockwise calendar engraving is not defined