Vertical Disc Dial, 1593

Technical characteristics

Type

Other sundial

Dated

1593

Maker

Charles Whitwell

Inventor

Nathaniell Torporley

Material

Gilt brass

Dimensions

110 x 70 x 4 mm

Place recorded

England

Maker / attribution

Charles Whitwell

Design

Visible features

• Dog and scorpion figures are engraved on the plate • Alidade features folding sight-vanes • Instrument is made of gilt brass • Two hanging rings are present for suspension

Authenticity and Condition

Questions regarding the authenticity of the dial arise from its constructional features. Specific concerns identified by researchers include the use of an acanthus leaf pattern on the alidades and the presence of a 30 Whitworth/90 metric thread on the central bolt, which functions within an original tapping. These elements have led some scholars to categorize the instrument as potentially spurious despite the presence of signed inscriptions. Furthermore, the central bolt assembly is believed to have been modified over time, with the screw currently serving as a later replacement. While the lettering style displays similarities to Whitwell’s known work, the constructional evidence has resulted in ongoing scrutiny regarding whether the object is a contemporary work of the 1593 date or a later manufacture.

Signatures and Inscriptions

The instrument bears two primary signatures on the dial side, identifying Nathaniell Torporley as the inventor and Charles Whitwell as the engraver. These are executed as '[star] Nathaniell Torporley inventor [star]' and '[star] Charolus Whitwell sculpsit [star]'. The central area of the calendar side includes an inscription: 'S letter G Prime 17 Epact [star] 1593'. Scholars have noted inconsistencies regarding the signature, specifically the inclusion of an 'h' in the maker's first name, which appears as 'Charolus'. These orthographic differences are considered by some to be evidence against the object's attribution to the established workshop of the period.

Instrument Construction and Function

The dial is constructed from a gilt brass plate, roughly oval in shape, featuring two hanging rings for orientation. One face serves as the primary timekeeping surface, incorporating two vertical dials with folding gnomons. These are divided for hours between 8 to 12 to 8 and 4 to 12 to 4. Seasonal adjustments are facilitated by zodiacal symbols positioned alongside the dials. The face also houses a central circular table intended for determining moveable feasts, listing dates for the winter solstice, Rogation, Easter, Lent, and prime letters. The reverse side of the plate provides further astronomical data. It includes a quadrant graduated from 0 to 90 degrees and a zodiacal scale divided by single degrees. A secondary calendar scale tracks months and specific days, while a central table provides epacts and dominical letters. An additional scale at the lower edge is numbered up to 12 across a 60-degree arc. The alidade is equipped with folding sight-vanes and decorated with arabesque engravings.

Identification

Inventory Number

52101

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.