Butterfield-type sundial with case
Date: circa 1778
Inventory Number: 7035
Classification: Sundial
Subject:
Maker: Pigeon (fl. 1778)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Lyon,
Dimensions:
open - gnomon as found: 3.7 × 6.5 × 7.8 cm (1 7/16 × 2 9/16 × 3 1/16 in.)
closed: 1.4 × 6.5 × 7.8 cm (9/16 × 2 9/16 × 3 1/16 in.)
case: 3 × 9.8 × 8.4 cm (1 3/16 × 3 7/8 × 3 5/16 in.)
Accessories: case
DescriptionBrass octagonal dial plate with compass at one end. Two hour scales for latitudes 46 and 49 degrees are numbered in Roman numerals. There are no decorations on quarter hour or half hour divisions. Bird gnomon for latitudes 40 to 60.
Wind rose with arrow pointing North."ES, SU, OU" mark cardinal points. French initials mark four intermediate points. Eight divisions are provided. The magentic declination is calibrated in 2 degree increments over a range of ¦ 30 degrees.
The reverse side of the dial plate is engraved with the names and latitudes (in degrees) of 12 European towns with 5 more on the back of the compass bowl.
This dial has many unusual features. The inner hour scale is for a higher latitude than the outer ring. The brass baseplate is unusually thick. The towns listed on the back of the compass bowl are in one column rather than circular. The overall style of engraving is precise but less ornamental than typical Parisian dials.
Octagonal shagreen case lined with red cloth. 3 hooks and 1 hinge.
Wind rose with arrow pointing North."ES, SU, OU" mark cardinal points. French initials mark four intermediate points. Eight divisions are provided. The magentic declination is calibrated in 2 degree increments over a range of ¦ 30 degrees.
The reverse side of the dial plate is engraved with the names and latitudes (in degrees) of 12 European towns with 5 more on the back of the compass bowl.
This dial has many unusual features. The inner hour scale is for a higher latitude than the outer ring. The brass baseplate is unusually thick. The towns listed on the back of the compass bowl are in one column rather than circular. The overall style of engraving is precise but less ornamental than typical Parisian dials.
Octagonal shagreen case lined with red cloth. 3 hooks and 1 hinge.
Signedon top: Pigeon a Lion
Functiontime-finding : 40-60 degrees
ProvenanceMiddegaels, Pais; David P. Wheatland Collection, Topsfield, MA, 1925; Gift to CHSI c. 1985