made in Nuremburg, Germany
000-190-001-039-C © National Museums Scotland |
|
Diptych sundial (detail)
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 1612 in Nuremburg in Germany, probably by Hans Tucher, or Ducher.
The upper part of the inside of the lid has a pin gnomon dial with a scale from 8 to 16, labelled "QVANTITAS DIE' [length of day]. Below are the holes of the string gnomon. The lower inscription translates as 'latitude 54,48,42, compass for everywhere'.
In the 16th century ivory diptych sundials came from three main centres: Nuremburg and Augsberg in Germany, and Dieppe in France. Most of Hans Ducher's dials were adjustable for use in northern Italy.
Record details
To search on related items, click any linked text below.
Online ID: |
000-190-001-039-C |
Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
Ref: |
National Museums Scotland T.1961.70 |
Date: |
1612
|
Material: |
Ivory tablets. Inscription: [Crowned serpent flanked by] H.T.; 1612
|
Dimensions: |
4.00" x 2.50"
|
What: |
Diptych dial
|
Subject: |
20. TIME MEASUREMENT, Sundials (Departmental Classification)
|
Who: |
Hans Tucher, Nuremburg, Germany (Maker) Sir John Findlay Collection
|
Where: |
Germany, Nuremburg
|
Event: |
|
Description: |
Diptych dial, with hinged ivory tablets, probably by Hans Tucher, or Ducher, Nuremburg, Germany, 1612
|
References: |
- For dials by Tucher, see Lloyd, Steven A., Ivory Diptych Sundials 1570-1750. London & Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard, 1992, pp 46-7, 156
- The Sir John Findlay Collection; an important collection of scientific instruments (2 parts) / Sotheby & Co., London, 1961-1962
- Turner. G. L'E. & Morrison-Low, A.D. 'Zinner's Ghosts and a Curious Date: 1576'. Bulletin of the Scientific Instrument Society No 50 (1996) pp 6-10
|
Translations: |
|
Related Records: |
|