Rare Silver Pocket Sundial and Compass by Michael Butterfield, Paris, circa 1700
£4,900
Request Information
Follow Us
Rare Silver Pocket Sundial and Compass by Michael Butterfield, Paris, circa 1700
A beautiful, rare solid silver Anglo-French octagonal pocket sundial with compass by Michael Butterfield, circa 1700.
The sundial is made for a latitude of 44° and could be used in places in the south of France such as Avignon and elsewhere along this parallel. 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.
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
Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions
Height: 2.56 in. (6.5 cm)
Width: 2.29 in. (5.8 cm)
Depth: 0.4 in. (1 cm)
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
No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
19th-Century Flame Mahogany Mantel Clock by BREGUET Raised by Lion Paw Feet
19th-Century Flame Mahogany Mantel Clock by BREGUET Raised by Lion Paw Feet £23,500Follow Us19th-Century Flame Mahogany Mantel Clock by BREGUET Raised by Lion Paw Feet EXTREMELY RARE MANTEL CLOCK WITH A FIGURED MAHOGANY-VENEERED CASE by A-L...
Unusual Pair of 18th Century George III Cherry Chairs, Chippendale Period
Unusual Pair of 18th Century George III Cherry Chairs, Chippendale Period £3,900Follow UsUnusual Pair of 18th Century George III Cherry Chairs, Chippendale Period A fabulous and rare pair of George III cherry wood chairs in original 'Country...
Unusual Ribbed Eight-Day Repeating Striking Gilt-Brass Gorge Case Carriage Clock
Unusual Ribbed Eight-Day Repeating Striking Gilt-Brass Gorge Case Carriage Clock £4,850Follow UsUnusual Ribbed Eight-Day Repeating Striking Gilt-Brass Gorge Case Carriage Clock CaseThe clock has a gilt-brass case which is a variation on the...
Fine 18th Century George I Gilt Gesso Pier or Console Mirror, Manner of Belchier
Fine 18th Century George I Gilt Gesso Pier or Console Mirror, Manner of Belchier £13,900Follow UsFine 18th Century George I Gilt Gesso Pier or Console Mirror, Manner of Belchier A fine and rare early 18th century George I Gilt Gesso pier or...
18th Century George III Figured Mahogany Three Pad Striking Bracket Clock
18th Century George III Figured Mahogany Three Pad Striking Bracket Clock £7,900Follow Us18th Century George III Figured Mahogany Three Pad Striking Bracket Clock 18th Century George III Figured Mahogany Three Pad Bracket Clock by JOHN WRIGHT...
17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Lace Box, Circa 1680-1700
17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Lace Box, Circa 1680-1700 £3,900Follow Us17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Lace Box, Circa 1680-1700 A fine and rare 17th-century William and Mary period olive oyster lace box of perfect...
19th-Century Flame Mahogany Mantel Clock by BREGUET Raised by Lion Paw Feet
19th-Century Flame Mahogany Mantel Clock by BREGUET Raised by Lion Paw Feet £23,500Follow Us19th-Century Flame Mahogany Mantel Clock by BREGUET Raised by Lion Paw Feet EXTREMELY RARE MANTEL CLOCK WITH A FIGURED MAHOGANY-VENEERED CASE by A-L...
Unusual Pair of 18th Century George III Cherry Chairs, Chippendale Period
Unusual Pair of 18th Century George III Cherry Chairs, Chippendale Period £3,900Follow UsUnusual Pair of 18th Century George III Cherry Chairs, Chippendale Period A fabulous and rare pair of George III cherry wood chairs in original 'Country...
Unusual Ribbed Eight-Day Repeating Striking Gilt-Brass Gorge Case Carriage Clock
Unusual Ribbed Eight-Day Repeating Striking Gilt-Brass Gorge Case Carriage Clock £4,850Follow UsUnusual Ribbed Eight-Day Repeating Striking Gilt-Brass Gorge Case Carriage Clock CaseThe clock has a gilt-brass case which is a variation on the...
Fine 18th Century George I Gilt Gesso Pier or Console Mirror, Manner of Belchier
Fine 18th Century George I Gilt Gesso Pier or Console Mirror, Manner of Belchier £13,900Follow UsFine 18th Century George I Gilt Gesso Pier or Console Mirror, Manner of Belchier A fine and rare early 18th century George I Gilt Gesso pier or...
18th Century George III Figured Mahogany Three Pad Striking Bracket Clock
18th Century George III Figured Mahogany Three Pad Striking Bracket Clock £7,900Follow Us18th Century George III Figured Mahogany Three Pad Striking Bracket Clock 18th Century George III Figured Mahogany Three Pad Bracket Clock by JOHN WRIGHT...
17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Lace Box, Circa 1680-1700
17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Lace Box, Circa 1680-1700 £3,900Follow Us17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Lace Box, Circa 1680-1700 A fine and rare 17th-century William and Mary period olive oyster lace box of perfect...