Augsburg-type sundial with case
Date: 1750-1770
Inventory Number: 7079
Classification: Sundial
Subject:
Maker: Ludovicus Theodatus Müller (circa 1710 - 1770)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
closed: 1.7 x 8.1 x 8.2 cm (11/16 x 3 3/16 x 3 1/4 in.)
Accessories: case
DescriptionThis octagonal Augsburg-type sundial is made of silver in a Rococo style. There are deeply incised decorations of shells, leaves, and scrolls on the base and the spring for the plumb bob bracket.
The magnetic compass has a wind rose with 4 points labeled in abbreviated Latin. There is an arrow for magnetic declination at approximately 17° W.
The equatorial hour scale is marked for hours III-XII-IX and subdivided into 1/2 hour increments. The equatorial plate is adjustable for latitude by means of a scale inscribed on a folding arm. The latitude scale runs from 14°- 80° and is subdivided every 2°
The gazetteer on the underside of the dial has 8 cities. The maker's initials, "L T M" are also here.
The green shagreen case is lined in red velvet and has two brass latch hooks. A silvered brass perpetual calendar in German is attached inside the lid. It gives the days of the week with their ruling planetary symbols opposite a notch showing the calendar date. It too has a Rococo design and a turning knob. It is signed Jean David Beyser. There is a gold braid around the perpetual calendar.
The magnetic compass has a wind rose with 4 points labeled in abbreviated Latin. There is an arrow for magnetic declination at approximately 17° W.
The equatorial hour scale is marked for hours III-XII-IX and subdivided into 1/2 hour increments. The equatorial plate is adjustable for latitude by means of a scale inscribed on a folding arm. The latitude scale runs from 14°- 80° and is subdivided every 2°
The gazetteer on the underside of the dial has 8 cities. The maker's initials, "L T M" are also here.
The green shagreen case is lined in red velvet and has two brass latch hooks. A silvered brass perpetual calendar in German is attached inside the lid. It gives the days of the week with their ruling planetary symbols opposite a notch showing the calendar date. It too has a Rococo design and a turning knob. It is signed Jean David Beyser. There is a gold braid around the perpetual calendar.
In Collection(s)
Signedon underside of compass bowl: LTM
on perpetual calendar: Jean David Beyser
on perpetual calendar: Jean David Beyser
FunctionThis is a pocket-sized universal equatorial sundial of a form known as an Augsburg-type dial, because this style was favored by the makers in Augsburg.
Historical AttributesBeyser may be a maker of the perpetual calendar or an owner of the dial.