Polyhedral Dial by Hans Tucher
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1582
This 1582 polyhedral dial, attributed to maker Hans Tucher of Nuremberg, measures 58 x 58 x 62 mm. The instrument consists of a central wooden block covered in silver and brass plates.
The top plate’s original triangular gnomon is missing. The four side faces are equipped with folding pin gnomons and include a lunar volvelle for time conversion and dials for indicating sunset, sunrise, and daylight hours, alongside zodiacal symbols. The object is encased with gilt metal rims bearing two distinct German inscriptions providing advice on usage and a personal remark from the maker. The instrument is currently held in the British Museum collection, having been acquired in 1857.
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 polyhedral dial
- Maker
- Hans Tucher
- Materials
- Brass, wood, silver, ivory
- Collection
- British Museum
- Dimensions
- 58 x 58 x 62 mm
- Maker's Mark
- Hunting horn
- Inscription 1
- Regarding compass usage and iron
- Inscription 2
- Personal remark by Hans Tucher
- Place recorded
- Nuremberg
- Maker / attribution
- Hans Tucher
Design
- Visible features
- • Ivory compass inset on the top plate • Folding pin gnomons on side faces • Lunar volvelle for time conversion • Two inscriptions on gilt metal rims
- Construction and Design
- The object is a polyhedral sundial measuring 58 x 58 x 62 mm, constructed from a wooden block. This core is finished with silver and brass plates. The top face holds an ivory compass at its center, with the cardinal points abbreviated, and engraved with blowing putti. Although the central gnomon on this top plate is now missing, the plate includes hour lines divided to half-hour and quarter-hour increments. The four sides of the cube provide various temporal functions using folding pin gnomons. One face contains a pierced gilt lunar volvelle for converting solar and lunar times. The remaining three faces feature specific dials: one for sunset ('NIDERGANG') with zodiacal symbols, one for sunrise ('AVFFGANG'), and one showing daylight duration. Each face is framed by gilt metal rims containing the object's inscriptions.
- Signatures and Inscriptions
- The dial is signed by Hans Tucher of Nuremberg, with the maker's mark consisting of a punched hunting horn located near the ivory compass. The piece bears two distinct German inscriptions on the gilt metal rims. The first warns the user that the compass and dial should not be used in the proximity of iron to ensure accurate readings. The second inscription includes the maker's name and a proverbial phrase, translated as 'don't laugh at things unless you can do better'.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The polyhedral dial is part of the collection of the British Museum under registration number MLA 1857, 5-23.2. The object was acquired in 1857. The reference catalogue specifically notes the instrument's dimensions and its functional reliance on the presence of the gnomons, some of which remain as folding pins on the side faces of the cube.
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: The gnomon on the top dial is missing
- Research required: Original purpose of the triangular gnomon is assumed by the source