Horizontal sundial in brass with a large compass signed Butterfield A Paris made circa 1680
POA
Dimensions
length 8,9 cm x width 8,9 cm x height 1,6 cm.
Circa
1680
Maker
Butterfield A Paris
Country of manufacture
France
Description
Horizontal sundial in brass with a large compass signed “Butterfield AParis”.
This instrument consists of a square base holding a large compass engraved with a compass rose showing 16 main and 16 secondary directions, with a double scale (0–360° and 0–90°) and a blued steel needle on a brass pivot. The whole is protected by a glass cover.
The circular lid, forming the sundial, shows part of the compass and the needle through a cut-out window. It has four hour scales (Arabic and Roman numerals) for different latitudes and a list of 22 cities, including two unusual ones (Pignerol and Philisbourg). At the center, a foldable bird-shaped gnomon decorated with acanthus leaves, with a latitude scale and engraved decoration on the reverse.
Note: Michael Butterfield (c. 1635–1724), a scientific instrument maker of English origin who settled in Paris in 1663, is renowned for his portable horizontal sundials with compasses and adjustable gnomons, which were very popular in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He was appointed Royal Engineer for Mathematical Instruments in 1704.
Condition: Excellent. Extremely fine engravings.
Dimensions: length 8,9 cm x width 8,9 cm x height 1,6 cm.
France made circa 1680.
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Dealer information
Galerie Delalande Paris
After 37 years in Le Louvre des Antiquaires, the Delalande gallery moved early June 2015 to 35 rue de Lille, 75007 Paris, on the other side of the Seine River in the well known antic shops area "le Carré Rive Gauche".
Our main specialties are, since 1976, Marine and Scientific instruments, Tobacco and Opium objects, Curiosities and Great Canes.
We participate to international antique fairs (TEFAF Maastricht) and are unique partner of the French Maritime Museum.
Eric Delalande is also Administrator of the French Experts National Company (C.N.E.).
Please visit also our two websites, which are frequently updated: www.antiquites-delalande.fr (French) and www.delalande-antiques.com (English). ----------------------------
La Galerie Delalande s'est installée en juin 2015 au 35 rue de Lille (75007 Paris), au coeur de la capitale dans le "Carré Rive Gauche", après 37 années de présence au Louvre des Antiquaires.
Nous nous sommes orientés, depuis 1976, vers plusieurs spécialités : Marine et Sciences, Objets du tabac et de l'Opium, Cannes de collection et Curiosités.
Nous participons à des salons d'envergure internationale (TEFAF Maastricht) et sommes partenaires exclusifs du Musée National de la Marine.
Eric Delalande est également Administrateur de la Compagnie Nationale des Experts (C.N.E.).
N'hésitez pas à visiter nos deux sites internet fréquemment mis à jour : www.antiquites-delalande.fr (Français) and www.delalande-antiques.com (Anglais).
