Objekt 11
Octagonal horizontal sundial
Description
Originally from England, Michael Butterfield (1635-1724) built surveying instruments, but became known mainly for his horizontal sundials with compass and octagonal dial. This type of traveling sundial was widely used in the 18th century. The hinged gnomon held by a bird can be set to different latitudes, and the time is read on the corresponding lines of the dial. On the back, the polar heights of various - here mostly French cities - are listed, on this specimen also those of Basel.
Object description
Maker: Michael Butterfield (1635-1724)
Paris, early 18th c.
Silver, leather case
Signature: Butterfield AParis
Gift of Ludwig Merian, Basel
Inv. 1888.98.