Important Collector's Wristwatches, P...
Geneva, Dec 02, 2003
LOT 172
Pierre Le Maure a Paris, circa 1730.Fine, octagonal, horizontal, portable brass sundial with compass in original shagreen fitted box.
USD 1,300 - 1,800
EUR 1,100 - 1,600
Sold: USD 1,725
C. four hour scales for the latitudes 43°, 46°, 49°, 52°, small compass, spring-loaded folding gnomon with bird-shapedindex, latitude scale from 40°-60°, engraved scrolling in the center, back with gilt brass plate engravedwith the latitudes of 22 European cities, standing on one foot and the base of the compass.Dial signed.Dim. 78 x 64 mm.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: A |
Good |
Case: 3 - 12 |
|
Movement: - |
|
Dial: - |
Notes
These dials are usually called Butterfield dials after the maker who first designed them.Butterfield’s dials are generally semi-universal horizontal dials, usually octagonal or oval in shape, and bearingthree or four different hour scales, each marked for a different latitude. The gnomon’s index, which Butterfielddesigned as a bird, must be set for the proper latitude on the scale. This was a very popular type of dial duringa period of about 120 years, from 1670 to approximately 1790.