Oval Diptych Dial by Hans Tucher
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1582
This oval diptych dial, constructed from ivory and brass, measures 65 x 53 x 13 mm and dates to 1582. It was signed by Hans Tucher in Nuremberg. The instrument features a suspension ring for potential use as personal jewellery.
The dial incorporates a lunar volvelle, a vertical string gnomon dial, a horizontal string gnomon dial, and pin gnomon dials for measuring day length and Babylonian hours. The ivory surfaces feature stamped inscriptions filled with red, blue, brown, and black colors. The internal components include an inset compass with a deviation of approximately 15 degrees East, near which the maker's mark—an upright crowned snake—is stamped.
The exterior of the lower leaf features a gilt brass plaque with helmet and scrollwork decoration and a German inscription regarding compass function near iron. It is currently held in the British Museum collection.
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
- 1582
- Type
- Nuremberg diptych dial
- Maker
- Hans Tucher
- Location
- Nuremberg
- Material
- Ivory and brass
- Dimensions
- 65 x 53 x 13 mm
- Place recorded
- Nuremberg
- Compass deviation
- circa 15? E
- Maker / attribution
- Hans Tucher
Design
- Visible features
- • Oval shape distinct from standard rectangular diptych dials • Inset brass suspension ring for chain attachment • Compass with approximately 15 degree East deviation • Upright crowned snake maker's mark within the compass well
- Timekeeping Features
- The instrument includes several integrated timekeeping features. The upper leaf contains a lunar volvelle for lunar-to-solar time conversion, consisting of two circles and a movable brass disc. The inner surface features a vertical string gnomon dial and a pin gnomon dial indicating day length according to zodiacal symbols. The lower leaf contains a horizontal string gnomon dial and a scaphe pin gnomon dial for Babylonian hours. The lower scaphe is decorated with a stylized flower. An inset compass is situated on the lower leaf, bearing the maker's signature and the maker's mark, an upright crowned snake, stamped in the well.
- Construction and Form
- The object is an oval-shaped diptych dial made of ivory and brass, measuring 65 by 53 by 13 millimeters. Unlike rectangular diptych dials, this instrument utilizes an oval geometry and features an inset brass suspension ring, which allowed the owner to carry the object on a chain. The dial is held together by two brass clasps and includes a third clasp on the opposite side, designed to maintain the open position during use. The stamped inscriptions across the ivory surfaces are filled with red, blue, brown, and black colors to enhance legibility.
- Exterior Decoration and Inscriptions
- The outer surface of the lower leaf features a gilt brass oval plaque decorated with helmet and scrollwork. The plaque is surrounded by an inscription commonly found on Tucher family dials: 'DER CAMPAST KAN NICHT RECHT WEISEN NAHET BEY EISSEN'. This inscription serves as a warning regarding the influence of iron on the compass accuracy. The instrument was formerly part of the collection of A.W. Franks and is catalogued in the British Museum.
Identification
- Reference
- MLA 1867,7-5.26
- Inventory Number
- MLA 1867,7-5.26
- 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: Uncertainty regarding whether the maker is Hans Tucher II or Hans Tucher III
- Research required: Exact function of the compass relative to iron interference indicated by the exterior inscription