Nocturnal with sun and moon dial
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Late 16th century ?
This gilt brass nocturnal, measuring 59 mm in diameter, is an unsigned and undated instrument held by the British Museum. It is attributed to France and potentially the late 16th century based on stylistic and linguistic comparisons.
The instrument serves multiple functions, incorporating a nocturnal, a horizontal sun and moon dial on its front face, and a vertical pin gnomon dial on the reverse. Its complex design features a circular disc with various volvelles, zodiacal and calendrical scales, and an attached compass with a swivelling lid. The reverse side includes unique astrological tables for tracking lucky and unlucky days, though some of the symbolic designations remain not fully understood.
The instrument is accompanied by a tooled red leather case featuring a green velvet lining.
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
- Late 16th century
- Type
- French nocturnal
- Origin
- French
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Dimensions
- 59 mm in diameter
- Place recorded
- France
- Astrological function
- Includes tables of lucky and unlucky days
Design
- Visible features
- • Includes an integrated compass with swivelling lid • Features a folding gnomon on the front disc • Constructed of gilt brass with multiple revolving volvelles • Accompanied by a tooled red leather case with green velvet lining
- Provenance and Presentation
- The instrument is housed in a tooled red leather case with a green velvet interior, which protects the gilt brass surfaces. It was acquired by the British Museum in 1867 and holds the registration number MLA 1867,3-10.1. Documentation regarding the object is found in F. A. B. Ward's 1981 publication, 'A Catalogue of European Scientific Instruments in the Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities of the British Museum'. The lack of signature or date requires reliance on comparison with similar documented pieces for historical context.
- Astrological and Reverse Features
- The reverse of the disc serves as a vertical pin gnomon dial, although the gnomon is currently broken. Surrounding this area is an hour scale divided into quarters and halves. Central to the reverse are two volvelles providing astrological information. These tables list days of the month categorized as lucky or unlucky, indicated by specific letters ('L', 'P', 'LP') and accompanied by an index arm. These tables are organized by zodiacal signs and month initials, yet the specific definitions of these abbreviations are not presently resolved. The inclusion of these astrological tables distinguishes the instrument from more conventional nocturnals.
- Construction and Primary Functions
- The nocturnal consists of a circular gilt brass disc, 59 mm in diameter, equipped with a handle and a series of rotating volvelles. The front face functions as both a nocturnal and a horizontal sun and moon dial, utilizing a zodiacal scale and a calendrical scale marked by month initials. A revolving ring, connected by four radial arms, displays the moon's age, while an index arm marked 'LIGNE DE FOY' facilitates readings across an hour scale. The front further includes a folding gnomon and a circular aperture for viewing moon phases. A compass with an engraved, swivelling lid is also fixed to the disc. The instrument was designed for use at a latitude of approximately 40 degrees, and its central suspension apparatus is calibrated to the date of May 20.
Identification
- Inventory number
- MLA 1867,3-10.1
- 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 date remains uncertain ('Late 16th century ?')
- Research required: The meaning of 'L', 'P' and 'LP' symbols on the astrological tables is not fully understood