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History of Science Museum

Diptych Dial, French?, 17th Century

Inventory Number 55353


Acknowledgement: © History of Science Museum, University of Oxford, inv.55353

Subject
Sundials
Item type
Object
Provenance
Not ascertained
Primary inscriptions
Unsigned and undated
Object type
Diptych dial
Dimensions
Height: 70mm Width: 58mm Depth: 14mm
Inventory No
55353

Description

Upper leaf is an equinoctial dial with hour scales on both faces, as well as circle of zodiac signs on inner face. Lower leaf has a horizontal dial with folding gnomon combined with a lunar volvelle, and an inset compass (missing); undeside has empty compartments for gnomon and latitude arcs to support the equinoctial dial. Extensive gold and silver foliate decoration. Two hooks to fasten dial shut (both missing) and one to hold it open.