French Equatorial Sundial by Butterfield

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French Equatorial Sundial by Butterfield

Name: French Equatorial Sundial by Butterfield
Brand: Butterfield Paris
Rating: 5 (8 reviews)

About the Item

The ultimate 17th century traveler's companion, this rare and exquisite equatorial sundial by Michael Butterfield (1635-1724) is one of the first reliable and portable methods of telling time. The silver oval-form plate is meticulously engraved with indicators of the hours for specific latitudes of 42, 46, 49 and 52 degrees, which are divided in 15-degree increments that account for the rotation of the earth during a 24-hour period. In order to operate the sundial, the user must position the plate at a parallel angle that equals the local latitude. The gnomon, or pointer, must be pointed toward true north in order to give accurate time. Butterfield sundials are known for their hinged, adjustable gnomons that feature a diminutive bird, as displayed in the present example. The reverse of the sundial plate is engraved with the latitudes for various French and European locations, which makes using the sundial easier to manipulate. Butterfield sundials are known as "semi-universal" horizontal dials, meaning that it can be used at different latitudes, but not in the full range of 0 to 90 degrees. Though Butterfield was not the inventor of this type of dial, the precision of his workmanship and the tell-tale bird gnomon became synonymous with this type of sundial. To find an example in such pristine condition that was made by and signed by Butterfield is quite exceptional. About Michael Butterfield Michael Butterfield was a British clockmaker who moved to Paris in the early 1660s. His portable sundials were known for their precision and superior quality, and they quickly became highly sought-after by gentlemen traveling on their Grand Tour of the Continent. The combination of the sundial, compass and detailed listing of latitudes allowed travelers to tell time in some of the most visited cities in Europe, then easily slip the instrument in their pocket when not in use. Butterfield's reputation grew rapidly and significantly, especially amongst royalty. He worked for the French court before being appointed as the official engineer to King Louis XIV, and even Russia's Czar Peter the Great commissioned numerous sundials from the master clockmaker. This sundial is contained in its original protective case. Signed "Butterfield à Paris" circa 1690 Measures: 1 7/8" wide x 2 3/8" deep x 5/8" high.

Creator:
Butterfield Paris (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 0.63 in (1.61 cm)Width: 1.88 in (4.78 cm)Depth: 2.38 in (6.05 cm)
Style:
Other (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Silver,Engraved
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
17th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1690
Condition:
Seller Location:
New Orleans, LA
Reference Number:
Seller: 30-16611stDibs: LU891113841591

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