Nuremberg ivory folding sundial and compass by Lienhart Miler
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1617
This diptych sundial and compass was produced in Nuremberg and is dated 1617. Crafted from carved and painted ivory with metal mountings, gilding, and a hemp cord, the instrument consists of two rectangular hinged leaves.
The interior vertical face displays sundial calibrations, while the horizontal base leaf integrates an inset magnetic compass surrounded by sundial hour scales and a lunar clock ring. The source states the upper outer face carries a compass rose denoting the four winds, and the left edge features an aperture originally intended for a wind sock. The lower horizontal plate bears the engraved signature 'LIENHART MILER 1617', alongside a heraldic lily device within the compass well.
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
- Diptych sundial
- Materials
- Carved and painted ivory, metal mountings, gilding, hemp cord
- Dimensions
- H 1.3, W 5.6, D 9.2 m [cm] (closed)
- Compass Device
- Heraldic lily
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Signature and Date
- LIENHART MILER 1617
- Maker / attribution
- Lienhart Miler
Design
- Visible features
- • Diptych form standing open supported by a cord gnomon • Carved and polychrome engraved markings with astronomical and zodiacal symbols • Circular inset compass well with a preserved magnetic needle on the horizontal lower leaf • Engraved signature 'LIENHART * MILER * 1617' visible at the lower edge of the horizontal leaf
- Dial and Compass Mechanism
- The interior contains a sundial. The horizontal base leaf integrates a compass, which features a heraldic lily device, as well as a lunar clock. The upper face features a compass rose denoting the four winds.
- Identification and Documentation
- The instrument is signed 'LIENHART MILER 1617'. The source documentation contains a discrepancy regarding the location of this signature, describing it as engraved on the underside. The dimensions are listed as H 1.3, W 5.6, D 9.2 m. The 'm' designation appears to be a typographical error.
- Physical Configuration and Materials
- The instrument is a diptych folding sundial constructed of carved, painted ivory with metal mountings and gilding. The design features two rectangular panels joined by four hinges, accompanied by a hemp cord. The left edge of the instrument contains an aperture described by the source as intended for a wind sock, which is currently missing.
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: Source notes the aperture on the left edge is missing its original wind sock
- Research required: Source cataloguing lists depth as '9.2 m', an apparent typographic error for centimeters
- Research required: Source states the signature is on the underside, though it is visibly engraved along the lower edge of the interior horizontal leaf