18th Century Gilt Brass and Silver Pocket or Miniature Sundial Compass with Case

A beautiful, rare solid silver Anglo-French octagonal pocket sundial with compass by Michael Butterfield, circa 1700. The sundial is made for a latitude of 44° and could be used in places in the south of France such as Avignon and elsewhere along this parallel. The elaborately engraved base plate has a Roman chapter ring on which the gnomon (a triangular flap) casts its shadow. It is signed by the maker in the following manner: Butterfield A Paris. On one side is a glazed recessed compass with a blued steel hand to position the instrument in such a way that the time can be read. The hinged triangular gnomon is richly engraved and in the shape of a bird’s head. The folding gnomon and cut corners enable the dial to be carried in the pocket. The underside shows the latitudes of various Southern-French places in the relevant areas Its maker Michael Butterfield was an English instrument maker who based himself in 'Le Quay de l'Horloge' of Paris from circa 1685. These types of dials, often replicated by other makers, became known as Butterfield Dials...

An English 17th century lantern clock made of brass and iron, circa 1665-1670. The clock consists of going and striking trains, as well as a...