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160
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Small double analemmatic pocket dial, France, second half of…
See original version (French)
160
-
Small double analemmatic pocket dial, France, second half of…
See original version (French)
Estimate €2,000 - €2,500
Voluntary lot
Description
Small double analemmatic pocket dial, France, second half of the 17th century.
Brass, steel and glass; 5.2x6.9 cm. In its original leather case lined with white silk.
Rare small pocket form of a double analemmatic dial first described in 1640 by Vauzelard in a short booklet published in Paris entitled Traicté ou usage du quadrant analématique. This type of dial was a great success and was copied throughout Europe and in England until the middle of the 18th century. Usually these dials are quite large, but the present example is an unusual small pocket model.
The first time circle is divided into 4-12-8 and has a folding gnomon at its centre. At the centre of the dial is a circular zodiac calendar. All around, a rich decoration of set palms and on the periphery, a second elliptical hour scale divided into 4-12-8. At the top of the plate is a compass with a needle indicating the four cardinal points: North, East, South and East.
The underside is not engraved. Two small feet keep the dial perfectly horizontal.
A very rare model combining the shape of French octagonal pocket dials with the structure of an analemmatic dial. This variant appears to be unique.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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