Lot 1667 D‡α

A folding azimuth sundial

Engraved and blackened ivory, gold and coloured brass, silver. Designed as two oblong ivory plaques connected by wire hinges and bolts at the front. The upper face with a horizontal gnomon sundial, the inner face with a round moon dial above and a large compass box below. The base with a twisting brass disc for the reading scale of the azimuth sundial. The left side with a small, concealed hole for the gnomon of the pole sundial. Glazing and compass needle replaced, shrinkage cracks, the lid with older (yellowed) restoration, a splinter to the right side of the case. L 7, W 5.8 cm. Presumably in the original papier mache case.
Dieppe, second half 17th C., attributed to workshop of Charles Bloud.