An Ivory diptych dial by Melchior Karner, German, c.1690

Melchior Karner (1642-1707), Nuremburg. The Karner dynasty of dial makers began with Caspar in 1564 and many branches of the family continued in this industry. Melchior was the son of Albrecht Karner and was not only a compass dial maker but together with this father and two brothers was a professional violinist. Melchior's mark is the number 4.

This multi-faceted instrument records solar time at the appropriate latitude on the string gnomon dial. There are two pin gnomon dials. On the vertical tablet, the declination of the sun by zodiac figure is given as well as the length of daylight and night time hours (Qantitas Diei).

The creamy white surface of ivory is ideal for sundials as it can be buffed to a fine polish. The decorative engraving is detailed but restrained. On the outer surfaces both the wind vane and lunar volvelle have surrounding 'spandrels' while the inner surface has an additional landscape engraving with sun. Black, green, red and brown pigments are used for colour.

Ivory Diptych dials were made by only six families over the period from 1550-1700. Although some highly complex examples were commissioned by wealthy patrons, the dial makers undoubtedly aimed their products at the widest possible market. This is indicated by the inclusion of adjustable latitude points and the fact that dials were manufactured in different sizes and levels of complexity. Some were made with Arabic symbols for the Turkish market, even though the Holy Roman Empire was at war with the Ottomans for much of this period.

Accession No. 1992.1.125

A Boxwood Nocturnal  for night time telling, German, c.1700

English marine pattern. This dial uses the Pole Star and either Ursa Major (Great Bear, Plough) or Ursa Minor, to tell the time. The inner ring is set to the correct date, the instrument held at arms length with the Pole Star showing through the central brass hole. The long arm is then aligned with whichever constellation is clearer and the time is read off the dial. On the reverse is an 8 point wind rose and a 32 point table of pole angle distance.

The instrument is designed to be easy to use even on the deck of a heaving ship, and the wind rose and pole tables on the reverse give additional uses at sea. Decoration is confined to punch marks or roses and fleur-de-lys. Although primarily designed to meet the needs of mariners, this dial could also be used on land.

Accession No. 1992.1.207

 Butterfield Dial, early 18th Century

A Brass Butterfield Dial

A Butterfield Dial, large size. The gnomon is engraved with a decorative bird and the underside of the compass is decorated with an unusual landscape engraving. The names of thirty European cities, with their latitudes, are engraved on the reverse of the dial.

Made by Macquart, Paris, early 18th Century.

Accession No. 1992.1.226

A French Drum sundial with enamel dial and fixed gnomon and on the underside, and manual calendar, c.1775. Made by Martin, Rue St Martin

Despite its sophisticated appearance, this sundial has a fixed gnomon so could not be used by travellers. On the underside, a manually operated calendar gives the day, date and month but is not perpetual, causing confusion at the end of short months.

The dial is in the form of a container, possibly a pill box. The box is decorated in grisaille with gold inlaid enrichments. The hands of the calendar are gold beetle and poker watch hands.

The decorative quality of the box, the immovable gnomon and the glazed dial, the latter causing distortion of the shadow, suggest that this is a novelty, rather than a practical instrument.

Accession No. 1992.1.234

A large tablet sundial in silver and gilt metal. Early 18th century. By Johannes May, Amsterdam

The inclusion of a compass indicates that this is a portable instrument in spite its large size.  Within the triangle of the gnomon hangs a plummet which points down to a latitude scale beneath. The four 'finials' in the corners can be screwed up and down until the correct latitude is indicated by the plummet.  Twenty one cities and their latitudes are engraved on the central silver plaque.

The gilt metal and silver dial is finely decorated. The gilt metal plate has a raised engraved border and the outline beneath the silver mounts are matted.  The central silver plaque is shaped and engraved in a foliage and scroll pattern with two birds of prey perched on top. The gnomon is similarly engraved.

This portable dial is clearly too big to be carried on the person and it is likely to have been a house dial which could be placed on the inside ledge of a south facing window. It could act as a house regulator and the rate of the household clocks and watches would be determined by this dial.

Accession No. 1992.1.221

The simplest and smallest form of horizontal compass dial. The gnomon is part of a Nuremburg Token and the fixed angle is around 52 degrees, the latitude of Bury St Edmunds, where it was found during excavations in the aisle of St Mary's Church. The original gnomon has been replaced with one suitable for local use. The instrument was probably brass bound originally.

A number of similar dials have recently been recovered from the wreck of the Mary Rose

Accession No. 1992.1.227

A surprising amount of information is included on these instruments. On one side is given the day of the week and the date and moon phase. 

On the other side are two adjustable segments giving the following information concerning the appropriate month: The number of days, the important saints days of the month, the sign of the zodiac, the length of the day and night, the length of daylight before the sun has risen and after it has set.

Decoration is confined to profuse engraving of foliage covering nearly all flat areas.  The instrument is inscribed: "ALMANACH UNIVERSEL ET PERPETUEL".

The box is probably for pills but could be used for snuff. Although cleverly designed, like mechanical perpetual calendars, it was probably of limited practical use and could be classed as an early executive toy.

Accession No. 1992.2.17

A gilt brass and silver horizontal compass dial. c. 1725 by Nicholaus Rugendass, Augsburg.

Nicholaus Rugendass became a Master Dialmaker in 1699 and died in 1745.

In this dial, the shadow is cast by a thread gnomon extending from the centre to the vertical arm bridge which is adjustable for latitudes. The time is read on the outermost hour circle while the inner dial is for reading solar time by the light of the moon. The underside carries a list of towns with their latitudes.

The compact, near octagonal form of the dial is engraved on its base plate and vertical arm. The plummet on the arm is missing. On the underside the silver spring plate which holds the vertical arm steady in both its positions is delicately engraved with flower and foliage motifs.

A fine dial like this was a practical alternative to the mechanical watch which needed more delicate handling. Some basic astronomical, scientific and geographical knowledge was necessary to make full use of it and while it was dependent on sunshine, the Arabic lettering in the compass bowl suggests it was destined for the Near East and thus no lack of sun.

Accession No. 1992.1.214