NMS


 

Record

Diptych sundial (detail)

< 1 of 1 > Back

made in Dieppe, France

Diptych sundial (detail)
Add to album

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 was made in the 17th century in Dieppe in France. The photograph shows the inside of the lid.

The lunar or tidal volvelle is a circular brass disc graduated from 1 to 31, working inside a ring graduated 1-12 twice. It was used to discover the time of high tide in a given port, using the known lunar cycle.

This part of the dial is particularly found in French diptych dials. The inhabitants of the largely land-locked German cities would have no use for such a device.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.


< 1 of 1 > Back