string-gnomon sundial
Date: 1613-1648
Inventory Number: 7348
Classification: Sundial
Dimensions:closed: 1.3 × 2.6 × 7.3 cm (1/2 × 1 × 2 7/8 in.)
DescriptionThis small, portable sundial is in the shape of a viola da gamba. The gilt brass case has a latch hook. The case is engraved with simple scrollwork and geometric lines. Strings are engraved on the fret board. There are three stars on each side of the neck where the tuning pegs would be.
Inside the case, there is an ivory insert with punchmarks of a "3" and a fleur-de-lys on the underside. The sundial is of the string-gnomon type, with hours marked 4-12-8, by half-hour intervals. The base of the gnomon has the punchmark of a red sun. The tiny magnetic compass has a twisted wire holding the glass cover. The wind rose has four points and is labeled in German initials, [something illegible for North], O, M, and O.
A twisted wire holds another glass disk in a circular well. This glass is reverse-painted in gold, green, and red. The picture in this frame is indistinct at the present time.
If one lifts the ivory insert out of the brass case, one finds a punchmark of a "3" in the base of the case. These may be match marks to keep the right base and ivory inset together.
A hole is drilled obliquely on a diagonal across the viola da gamba through both the brass case and ivory insert. This could be for inserting a string on the delicate dial so that a lady might wear this ornament.