A fine and large Butterfield silver dial in case, circa 1690
Sold
Circa
1690
Country of manufacture
France
Description
An octagonal horizontal silver sundial signed “Butterfield in Paris” and datable to around 1680-1690.
The dial, of good size, measures 7.9 × 6.7 cm. Hallmark on the back that we have not been able to identify but which seems to be close to the Parisian hallmarks of the years 1688-1687 or 1687-1691. The dial is preserved its original shaped case made in wood, covered with fish skin and lined with green velvet.
The plate is engraved with four hour scales for latitudes “43”, “46”, “49” and “52” degrees, in Roman or Arabic numbers.
The bird gnomon is adjustable in height according to the latitude from 40 to 60 degrees.
Very beautiful engraving, quite ornate.
On the back, the names and latitudes of 32 European cities.
Perfect original condition.
Not so usual with its original case.
Ask the Dealer
Dealer information
Le Zograscope
Established by Alexandre Piffault in 2014 and based in Paris at 5 rue de Condé, 75006, very close to Odéon, Le Zograscope specializes in antique and rare books in Science, Medicine and Technology, and rare antique instruments in the same fields. We have especially a strong interest in early and continental microscopy, early and special mathematical/drawing instruments, medical and surgical instrument, and rare technology.
Personnal website : https://www.lezograscope.com/
