octagonal ivory and wood diptych sundial
Date: circa 1650
Inventory Number: 7561
Classification: Sundial
Subject:
Maker: Nicolaus Miller (fl. 1647 - 1661)
Collector: Harrold Edgar Gillingham (1864 - 1954)
Collector: David P. Wheatland (1898 - 1993)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
closed: 1.2 x 4.2 x 5.6 cm (1/2 x 1 5/8 x 2 3/16 in.)
Description:
Two octagonal tablets hinged together on the shorter side, with the top tablet thinner the than bottom one.
See description in Steven A. Lloyd, Ivory Diptych Sundials, 1570-1750 (Cambridge: Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, 1992), cat. no. 25.
See description in Steven A. Lloyd, Ivory Diptych Sundials, 1570-1750 (Cambridge: Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, 1992), cat. no. 25.
Signedon 2b: N [crown] M
FunctionIndicates local solar time (both day and night), and magnetic north.
Historical Attributessmall tag on rear of dial reads "Rorenau. Paris. 1925 456 [or 450] f"
Curatorial RemarksLloyd25
ProvenanceRorenau, Paris, before 1925; Harrold E. Gillingham Collection, 1925 (inv. no. 105); David P. Wheatland, Topsfield, MA, 1949; gift to CHSI, c. 1985.
Published ReferencesSteven A. Lloyd, Ivory Diptych Sundials, 1570-1750 (Cambridge: Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, 1992), cat. no. 25.