Description

A UNIVERSAL EQUINOCTIAL DIAL by BUTTERFIELD + CASE, c. 1700.

Octagonal brass plate with a list of 28 localities with latitudes.

Signature: “Butterfield a Paris” on the arc of degree

Dimension: 7,2 x 6,6 cm; case 8,4 x 7,5cm

Age: c. 1700

Very good condition, needle still magnetized (mirror cracked).

A very rare sundial model signed by Butterfield himself, in original brown leather case, green silk lined.

Michel Butterfield (1674-1722) was a well-reputed Englishman who came to France under the reign of King Louis XIV as a mathematical instrument maker. He became one of the most skilled maker of his time and gave mostly his name to a peculiar pocket sundial, very widespread during hal a century onwards.

He had his Atelier at “Rue Neuve des Fosses, Faubourg Saint Germain” in 1677 and in 1691 “Aux Armes d’Angleterre sur le quai des Morfondes” (Marcelin).

For a similar dial, see « La Mesure du Temps dans les Collections Belges « , 1984, n. 103 (by Delure).