000-100-102-672-C
© National Museums Scotland |
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Diptych sundial (open)
Diptych sundials have two plates hinged together, and in use open out to form a right angle, with the string hinge operating as a gnomon. This ivory example (pictured here open) was made in the 17th century in Dieppe in France. It is unsigned.
Inside the base is a sunk compass with a list of places and latitudes on paper. Around the compass is a horizontal sundial. Inside the lid is a circular brass disc (a 'lunar volvelle') graduated from 1 to 31, working inside a ring graduated 1-12 twice.
In the 16th century ivory diptych sundials came from three main centres: Nuremburg and Augsberg in Germany, and Dieppe in France. However, those made in France were rarely signed or dated.
Record details
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| Online ID: |
000-100-102-672-C |
| Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
| Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
| Ref: |
National Museums Scotland T.1924.11 |
| Date: |
17th century
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| Material: |
Ivory, paper list, brass strut and disc. Inscription: [On base] List of places and latitudes
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| Dimensions: |
2.75" x 2.25"
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| What: |
Sundial, universal, portable
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| Subject: |
20. TIME MEASUREMENT, Sundials (Departmental Classification)
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| Who: |
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| Where: |
France, Dieppe
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| Event: |
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| Description: |
French portable universal sundial in ivory, book form, base with sunk compass, horizontal dial and list of places and latitudes, with equinoctial dial on lid, unsigned, Dieppe, 17th century
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| References: |
- For a similar example, see Lloyd, Steven A., Ivory Diptych Sundials 1570-1750. London & Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard, 1992. p 136
- Turner, G. L'E. Antique Scientific Instruments. Poole: Blandford, 1980. pp 22-3
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