Alexander George Antiques Ltd. has dated this Silver Butterfield Pocket Sundial to the 1700s.
The elaborately engraved base plate has a Roman chapter ring on which the gnomon (a triangular flap) casts its shadow. It is signed by the maker in the following manner: Butterfield A Paris. On one side is a glazed recessed compass with a blued steel hand to position the instrument in such a way that the time can be read. The hinged triangular gnomon is richly engraved and in the shape of a bird’s head. The folding gnomon and cut corners enable the dial to be carried in the pocket.
The underside shows the latitudes of various Southern-French places in the relevant areas.Its maker Michael Butterfield was an English instrument maker who based himself in ‘Le Quay de l’Horloge’ of Paris from circa 1685. These types of dials, often replicated by other makers, became known as Butterfield Dials after their original inventor.
Similar examples can be found in the British Maritime Museum, V&A and the British Museum.
Alexander George Antiques Ltd. has dated this Silver Butterfield Pocket Sundial to the 1700s.
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Rare Silver Pocket Sundial and Compass by Michael Butterfield, Paris, Circa 1700
