Sun And Moon Dial

Technical characteristics

Type

German sun and moon dial

Dating

circa 1580

Origin

German

Dimensions

44 mm in diameter

Provenance

Presented by A.W. Franks in 1871

Inscription

OMNIA CVM TEMPORE PRETEREVNT

Place recorded

Germany

Design

Visible features

• Pierced volvelle with apertures for moon phase and age • Folding gnomon decorated with engraving • Handle featuring a compass with mica cover • Inscribed Latin text on the lunar volvelle

Compass and Construction

The dial is constructed from brass and measures 44 mm in diameter. A small compass is situated within a box hinged to the handle, which facilitates the proper orientation of the instrument during use. The compass is protected by a cover made of mica, topped with a hinged brass lid. The exterior of the lid and the handle display decorative strapwork, maintaining a consistent aesthetic across the physical structure of the tool. The lunar volvelle is pierced with two specific apertures: one smaller opening displays the moon's age in numerical form, while the larger aperture provides a visual representation of the current moon phase. The central area of this volvelle is also embellished with engraved strapwork, similar to the detailing on the nocturnal arm and the handle. The accuracy of the lunar time measurement is constrained, as the gnomon orientation does not remain parallel to the earth's axis during use.

Provenance and Authenticity

The instrument is part of the collection at the British Museum in London, identified by the registration number MLA 1871, 11-15.10. It was originally donated to the museum by A.W. Franks in 1871. The object is documented in the 1981 publication by F. A. B. Ward, 'A Catalogue of European Scientific Instruments in the Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities of the British Museum'. Despite its inclusion in museum collections, the instrument has been subjected to scrutiny regarding its history. Observations recorded in the research documentation explicitly state that doubts have been raised concerning the authenticity of this particular item. The piece remains unsigned, and its origin is attributed to Germany based on historical classification within the collection records.

Dial and Nocturnal Configuration

The instrument serves as a multi-functional device featuring two distinct functional faces. One side functions as a circular horizontal sun and moon dial, utilizing a folding gnomon calculated for a latitude of approximately 48 degrees. This component is integrated with a pierced volvelle that allows the user to adjust for the moon's age. When set to zero, the instrument displays solar time; when adjusted for the lunar cycle, it provides a measurement for lunar time. The reverse side of the device houses a nocturnal, which is used to tell time by the stars. This face is organized with a degree scale, zodiac symbols, and a calendar scale divided to ten days. A rotating arm is positioned centrally, decorated with strapwork, and indicates the hours from 1 to 12 twice. The handle, which connects the main circular body to the compass, is also decorated with strapwork on its exterior side.

Identification

Accession Number

MLA 1871, 11-15.10

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.