A UNIVERSAL EQUINOCTIAL DIAL by BUTTERFIELD + CASE

A UNIVERSAL EQUINOCTIAL DIAL by BUTTERFIELD + CASE

Euro 1900

Circa

1700

Country of manufacture

France

Categories: Portable Sundials, Timekeeping

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).

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IT Alpha et Omega

Alpha Et Omega

Alpha et Omega is a recently established firm, based in Milan, Italy. We specialise in antique Scientific Instruments and rare Books to supply collections worldwide. Focus is given to optical and time-related instruments, especially before the Industrial Revolution but we are also interested in rare-to-find scientific and natural items and wunderkammer objects. Alpha et Omega also deals in rare books related to Early Science and Scientific Instruments. Please feel free to contact us for individual requests or desiderata.

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