Sundial, Butterfield pattern, Paris, late 17th century

A FRENCH SILVER BUTTERFIELD PATTERN PORTABLE SUNDIALBION, PARIS, LATE 17th CENTURYThe elongated octagonal plate with three hour scales for 49, 45 and 40 degrees annotated IIII-XI-I-VIII and 5-12-7 twice with the outer Roman numeral chapters with cruciform half hour markers and divided for quarter-hours, the centre with landscape engraved lunette adjacent to the with glazed compass divided for four cardinal points only, opposing hinged bird engraved adjustable gnomon calibrated in degrees for elevation to the outer edge, the underside engraved with latitudes for twenty-two cities including Rome 42, Madrid 41, Londres 52, Amsterdam 52, Cracouie 50 and Paris 49, the underside of the compass engraved with scene of a seated hound with motto ardente et fidette opposing signature BION A PARIS engraved to a banner at the gnomon end, with original green velvet lined folding leather case.The plate 6cm (2.375ins) by 5cm (2ins).Nicholas Bion is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as a 'famous mathematical instrument maker' born in 1652 and died in Paris in 1733.

During his lifetime he was a very highly regarded instrument maker with contemporary references placing him alongside Butterfield in importance.This type of portable pocket sundial was devised by Michael Butterfield an English instrument maker who settled in Paris in around 1685. By the end of the century Butterfield's workshop was located on 'Le Quay de L'Horloge' which would have positioned him right within the Parisian clockmaking community.