Scaphe Dial by Georg Hartmann
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1539
This scaphe dial, fashioned as a bowl, was created in 1539 by the instrument maker Georg Hartmann in Nuremberg. Measuring 151 mm in diameter, the instrument is constructed from brass, showing residual signs of original gilding upon its interior surface.
The dial features a bowl-shaped body designed to track time through the projection of solar shadows. While it formerly contained an integrated compass at its base—evidenced by engraved cardinal directions—this component is currently missing. The instrument includes a gnomon, though this is noted as a modern replacement, configured for a latitude of 48 degrees as verified by an inscription on the dial's rim. It serves as an complex timekeeping device capable of indicating both common and Italian hours, alongside zodiacal references for solar declination, representing an example of mid-16th-century instrument design maintained in the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford.
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
- 1539
- Type
- Nuremberg scaphe dial
- Maker
- Georg Hartmann
- Diameter
- 151 mm
- Location
- Nuremberg
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Inscription
- GEORGIVS HARTMANN NOREMBERGE FACIEBAT ANNO 1539
- Place recorded
- Nuremberg
- Maker / attribution
- Georg Hartmann
Design
- Visible features
- • Bowl-shaped dial body with pedestal base • Engraved cardinal point markers on the bottom interior • Signature and date inscribed along the upper rim • Visible graduation markings for time and zodiac signs
- Construction and Design
- The scaphe dial is structured as a large bowl, manufactured from brass with traces of gilding preserved on the interior surface. It measures 151 mm in diameter and rests on a circular pedestal base. The interior of the bowl contains markings for solar time, including common hours numbered IIII to XII to VIII, and Italian hours from 9 to 24. Additionally, symbols representing the zodiacal signs are engraved within the bowl to track solar declination. The base of the bowl originally featured an integrated compass. Although this component is currently missing, the circular area where it resided remains, surrounded by engraved indicators for the cardinal points, specifically 'SEP:', 'OR:', 'ME:' and 'OCC:'.
- Condition and Components
- The instrument is maintained by the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford, designated by inventory number 46540. The current physical state of the object reflects the loss of the original compass at the bottom of the bowl. The gnomon, which serves as the shadow-casting element of the sundial, is present but is not original. The auction description reports that this component appears to be a modern replacement.
- Signatures and Inscriptions
- The instrument bears a signature on its border identifying the maker and the production year: 'GEORGIVS HARTMANN NOREMBERGE FACIEBAT ANNO 1539'. This inscription confirms the origin of the dial as Nuremberg. Further inscriptions on the border provide technical information regarding the intended use of the dial. Specifically, the text 'POLVS GRA: 48' is engraved, indicating the instrument was calibrated for a latitude of 48 degrees.
Identification
- Inventory number
- 46540
- 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 is reported to be a modern replacement
- Research required: The compass originally housed at the base is missing