Portable horizontal 'Butterfield' sundial, signed 'Butterfield AParis', circa 1700.
Silver (800 thousandths)
H. 8 cm - L. 6.5 cm
Gross weight : 46,1 g
Octagonal turntable engraved with four hour scales for latitudes 43, 46, 48, and 51° bearing a sixteen-direction compass and adjustable, folding gnomon with bird-shaped index; foliage decoration. The reverse of the instrument is engraved with the names and latitudes of thirty cities in France and Europe.
Michael Butterfield (circa 1645-1735), of English origin, trained in Paris and took French nationality in 1672; one of the most prominent manufacturers in Paris at the time, his name became attached to this dial form.
Expert : Anthony TURNER - 01 39 12 11 91
Estim. 400 - 600 EUR