Parisian silver Butterfield travel sundial
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Last quarter 18th C.
This lot features an octagonal Parisian silver travel sundial signed 'Butterfield AParis' on the plaque, dated by the auction house to the last quarter of the 18th century.
Named after Michael Butterfield, instruments of this type display polhodes between 40° and 60° and are engraved with the latitudes of 31 French towns. The piece incorporates an inset glazed magnetic compass and an adjustable folding gnomon bird pointer. It is housed in an octagonal green leather fitted case with worn velvet lining, measuring 7.8 cm in length and 3.5 cm in height when extended.
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
- Last quarter 18th C.
- Type
- Scientific instrument (travel sundial)
- Dimensions
- H 3.5 cm when extended, L 7.8 cm
- Engravings
- Polhodes of 31 French towns
- Place recorded
- France
- Polhodes range
- 40° to 60°
- Maker's signature
- Butterfield AParis
- Maker / attribution
- Michael Butterfield
Design
- Visible features
- • Octagonal silver horizontal plate engraved with multi-latitude hour scales and scrolling motifs • Circular inset compass with glazed cover and blued or darkened magnetic needle • Folding gnomon featuring an adjustable latitude quadrant index pointer shaped like a bird • Fitted octagonal dark green leather case with velvet-lined interior showing surface tears and wear
- Dial and Mechanism
- The horizontal plate displays polhodes between 40° and 60° and is engraved with the polhodes of 31 French towns. The instrument features a magnetic compass with a glazed cover. The sundial includes a folding gnomon. The provided observations further describe this gnomon as having an adjustable latitude quadrant index pointer shaped like a bird.
- Physical Characteristics
- This instrument is identified as a Parisian silver travel sundial. It is signed on the plaque and measures 7.8 cm in length, with a height of 3.5 cm when in the extended position. The sundial is housed in a green leather case. The case is noted to be warped, and its velvet lining is worn.
- Attribution and Historical Context
- The item is dated to the last quarter of the 18th century. It is identified as a 'Butterfield Type,' a designation named after the English mechanic Michael Butterfield, who held the title 'Ingénieur du Roi pour les instruments de mathématique' in Paris. While such instruments were popular in the late 18th century, the source notes that their fine scales were apparently difficult to use.
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: Reverse side engraved town list is not visible in the provided photograph
- Research required: Source notes the leather case is warped and the lining is worn