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Diptych sundial (open)

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made in Dieppe, France

Diptych sundial (open)
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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.

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