Description

Uncommon form of a compass forming analemmatic sundial, France, 17th century.

On the upper face we find the sundial with its elliptical scale graduated 4-12-8.

The center is pierced in the shape of a cross inside which two brass pivots slide, one of which is used to receive the magnetic needle. These pivots are mobile and operated by the rotating index located on the back.

The back is engraved with a calendar scale graduated in months and subdivided every five days. In the center, the pivoting index allows you to set the sundial according to the date. The months are written in French.

This type of analemmatic dial appeared in France at the beginning of the 17th century.

Quite similar examples are kept in museums:

– Greenwich Museum – AST0220

– British Museum – 1896,0411.168

– Musee de la Vie wallonne – 5000961

5cm diameter