Fine Brass Pocket Sundial and Compass by Michael Butterfield Paris
Sold
Request Information
Follow Us
Fine Brass Pocket Sundial and Compass by Michael Butterfield Paris
A fine brass Anglo-French octagonal pocket sundial with compass by Michael Butterfield, circa 1700.
The sundial can be used anywhere between latitudes of 40° and 60° covering Southern Spain and Italy north to Scandinavia. The elaborately engraved base plate has various Roman chapter rings with subdivisions on which the folding hinged 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 triangular gnomon is richly engraved and can be set for a particular latitude by sliding the gnomon up or down, the latitude being indicated by the beak of a figured engraved bird. The folding gnomon and cut corners enable the dial to be carried in the pocket.
The underside shows the latitudes of various European places, including London and Rome.
Its maker Michael Butterfield (b.1635, d.1724) was an English instrument maker who based himself in Paris for a time. These types of dials, often replicated by other makers, became known as Butterfield Dials. They were a fashionable and functional traveller’s accessory from the late 17th century onwards.
Interestingly, early watches did not keep time particularly well and a dial such as this were used to regularly set a watch. Anecdotally, sundials may also have been preferred to sounding timepieces whilst on the road – the chimes being thought to attract thieves.
Similar examples can be found in the British Maritime Museum, V&A and the British Museum.
Condition
Good. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions
Height: 2.56 in. (6.5 cm)
Width: 2.29 in. (5.8 cm)
Depth: 0.32 in. (8 mm)
Literature
Tardy, Dictionnaire des horlogers français, Paris, 1971, p. 103
C. Cowham, A Dial in Your Poke, Cambridge, 2004, passim
H.Higton, Sundials, An Illustrated History of Portable Dials, London, 2001, passim
PREVIOUSLY SOLD
Small Proportioned Elegant Portico Mantel Clock by Janvier, c. 1815
Small Proportioned Elegant Portico Mantel Clock by Janvier, c. 1815 SoldFollow UsSmall Proportioned Elegant Portico Mantel Clock by Janvier, c. 1815 Antide Janvier (1751-1835) started his clockmaker's life in Besançon, a clockmaker's centre...
A Small 18th century George I period table clock by Gamaliel Voyce, c.1725
A Small 18th century George I period table clock by Gamaliel Voyce, c.1725 SoldFollow UsA Small 18th century George I period table clock by Gamaliel Voyce, c.1725 An extremely attractive early 18th century George I period table clock of small...
18th-Century George III Mahogany Eight-Day 8″ Silver Dial Clock by T.M London
18th-Century George III Mahogany Eight-Day 8" Silver Dial Clock by T.M London Sold Follow Us18th-Century George III Mahogany Eight-Day 8" Silver Dial Clock by T.M London A Rare 18th-Century Georgian English 8" Dial Clock / Wall Clock, by...
Fine American Two Day Marine Chronometer, Signed T. S & J. D Negus New York
Fine American Two Day Marine Chronometer, Signed T. S & J. D Negus New York SoldFollow UsFine American Two Day Marine Chronometer, Signed T. S & J. D Negus New York A Classic beautifully produced mid-19th century American chronometer...
Striking George IV Eight-Day Rosewood Pagoda Library Clock by French, London
Striking George IV Eight-Day Rosewood Pagoda Library Clock by French, London Sold Follow UsStriking George IV Eight-Day Rosewood Pagoda Library Clock by French, London This lovely small library clock has a spring-driven eight-day twin...
18th Century George III Mahogany Quarter Striking Automation Bracket Clock By Stephen Rimbault
18th Century George III Mahogany Quarter Striking Automation Bracket Clock by Stephen Rimbault SoldFollow Us18th Century George III Mahogany Quarter Striking Automation Bracket Clock by Stephen Rimbault By Stephen Rimbault The impressive...
Small Proportioned Elegant Portico Mantel Clock by Janvier, c. 1815
Small Proportioned Elegant Portico Mantel Clock by Janvier, c. 1815 SoldFollow UsSmall Proportioned Elegant Portico Mantel Clock by Janvier, c. 1815 Antide Janvier (1751-1835) started his clockmaker's life in Besançon, a clockmaker's centre...
A Small 18th century George I period table clock by Gamaliel Voyce, c.1725
A Small 18th century George I period table clock by Gamaliel Voyce, c.1725 SoldFollow UsA Small 18th century George I period table clock by Gamaliel Voyce, c.1725 An extremely attractive early 18th century George I period table clock of small...
18th-Century George III Mahogany Eight-Day 8″ Silver Dial Clock by T.M London
18th-Century George III Mahogany Eight-Day 8" Silver Dial Clock by T.M London Sold Follow Us18th-Century George III Mahogany Eight-Day 8" Silver Dial Clock by T.M London A Rare 18th-Century Georgian English 8" Dial Clock / Wall Clock, by...
Fine American Two Day Marine Chronometer, Signed T. S & J. D Negus New York
Fine American Two Day Marine Chronometer, Signed T. S & J. D Negus New York SoldFollow UsFine American Two Day Marine Chronometer, Signed T. S & J. D Negus New York A Classic beautifully produced mid-19th century American chronometer...
Striking George IV Eight-Day Rosewood Pagoda Library Clock by French, London
Striking George IV Eight-Day Rosewood Pagoda Library Clock by French, London Sold Follow UsStriking George IV Eight-Day Rosewood Pagoda Library Clock by French, London This lovely small library clock has a spring-driven eight-day twin...
18th Century George III Mahogany Quarter Striking Automation Bracket Clock By Stephen Rimbault
18th Century George III Mahogany Quarter Striking Automation Bracket Clock by Stephen Rimbault SoldFollow Us18th Century George III Mahogany Quarter Striking Automation Bracket Clock by Stephen Rimbault By Stephen Rimbault The impressive...
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
A Fine 18th Century George II Mahogany Tripod Table, Circa 1760
A Fine 18th Century George II Mahogany Tripod Table, Circa 1760 £5,800Follow UsA Fine 18th Century...
17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Chest of drawers, Circa 1690. England
17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Chest of drawers £17,900Follow Us17th Century William...
Rare 18th Century George III Lacquer Tea Caddy with Original Lacquer Canisters
Rare 18th Century George III Lacquer Tea Caddy with Original Lacquer Canisters £4,250Follow UsRare...
Important 18th Century Goncalo Alves Serpentine Chest Signed J N Teague 1779
Important 18th Century Goncalo Alves Serpentine Chest Signed J N Teague 1779 £15,900Follow...
18th Century Queen Anne Burr Walnut Double Dome Bureau Bookcase
18th Century Queen Anne Burr Walnut Double Dome Bureau Bookcase £28,000Follow Us18th Century Queen...
18th Century George III Burr Yew Tea Caddy with Star Inlay and Brass Accents
18th Century George III Burr Yew Tea Caddy with Star Inlay and Brass Accents £2,200Follow Us18th...
A Fine 18th Century George II Mahogany Tripod Table, Circa 1760
A Fine 18th Century George II Mahogany Tripod Table, Circa 1760 £5,800Follow UsA Fine 18th Century...
17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Chest of drawers, Circa 1690. England
17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Chest of drawers £17,900Follow Us17th Century William...
Rare 18th Century George III Lacquer Tea Caddy with Original Lacquer Canisters
Rare 18th Century George III Lacquer Tea Caddy with Original Lacquer Canisters £4,250Follow UsRare...
Important 18th Century Goncalo Alves Serpentine Chest Signed J N Teague 1779
Important 18th Century Goncalo Alves Serpentine Chest Signed J N Teague 1779 £15,900Follow...
18th Century Queen Anne Burr Walnut Double Dome Bureau Bookcase
18th Century Queen Anne Burr Walnut Double Dome Bureau Bookcase £28,000Follow Us18th Century Queen...
18th Century George III Burr Yew Tea Caddy with Star Inlay and Brass Accents
18th Century George III Burr Yew Tea Caddy with Star Inlay and Brass Accents £2,200Follow Us18th...