Polyhedral Dial
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1550
This polyhedral dial is constructed from gilt brass and takes the form of an eight-pointed star. Measuring 59 x 10 mm, the object functions as a sundial by indicating common hours from 1 to 12 across its multiple facets.
It features a fixed suspension ring, a hinged strut for setting latitude, and an internal latitude scale ranging from 30 to 55. The exterior lid surface displays foliage decoration and the initials 'H F' alongside an acorn mark, which is attributed to the Nuremberg maker Hans Felt. The instrument contains an internal compartment, originally housing a pivoted compass, though the needle, ring, and glass components are currently missing.
The underside of the box and the compass cover are engraved with foliage and a helmed head respectively. The piece was donated by A.W. Franks in 1857 and is held within 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
- Type
- Nuremberg polyhedral dial
- Maker
- Hans Felt
- Origin
- Nuremberg
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Dimensions
- 59 x 10 mm
- Provenance
- Presented by A.W. Franks
- Place recorded
- Nuremberg
- Maker / attribution
- Hans Felt
Design
- Visible features
- • Eight-pointed star geometric form • Gilt brass construction • Engraved foliage and signature on lid • Internal latitude scale inscription 'ELVFACI POLI'
- Provenance and History
- This sundial is part of the collection of the British Museum in London. It was acquired by the museum following a gift from A.W. Franks in 1857. It has been documented within the museum's registry and specialized scientific instrument surveys. Academic analysis of the instrument, including its attribution, has been recorded in the works of F. A. B. Ward, specifically in the 1981 catalog of European scientific instruments held by the Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities.
- Construction and Design
- The object is a polyhedral dial configured as an eight-pointed star. The device is manufactured from gilt brass and is sized at approximately 59 mm by 10 mm. The design incorporates a fixed suspension ring intended for external use, allowing the instrument to be suspended and oriented relative to the sun. The lid's external surface features engraved foliage ornamentation centered around the initials 'H F' and an acorn motif. These markings have been identified as a signature, with research suggesting an attribution to the Nuremberg-based maker Hans Felt. The internal plate provides a latitude scale labeled 'ELVFACI POLI', which is marked from 30 to 55 and divided into single-degree increments.
- Functionality and Internal Components
- The instrument measures time by displaying hours on the lateral facets of the star points. These hours are engraved as a sequence of numbers from 1 to 12, with the markings including half-hour divisions. A specific face includes a modification where an engraving error was corrected during production. To enable precise timekeeping, the dial utilizes a hinged strut to adjust for latitude. The box interior, which features further foliage engraving, contains a compartment for a compass. At the time of inspection, the compass assembly, including the needle, ring, and protective glass, is absent from the box.
Identification
- Inventory number
- MLA 1857, 8-4.35
- 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: Compass needle, ring, and glass are missing
- Research required: Attribution to Hans Felt is suggested by Zinner based on initials