French Silver Sundial Early 18 Century by Delure

Early 18th Century Silver Horizontal Sundial. This solid silver horizontal pocket sundial was made in France by Jean-Baptiste-Nicolas Delure (1695 – 1736) and signed ‘Delure a Paris’. This is a sophisticated sundial Instrument consisting of an octagonal plate (measures 6.5cm, 2½ inches) on which the shadow is cast through an adjustable quadrant (adjusted from 40 to 60 latitude degrees), carried on a folding hinged gnomon, and supported by a form of a small bird. The dial chapter includes three sets of engraved scales alternating in Roman and Arabic numeral made for latitudes of 40?, 45?, and 50?. The dial incorporates a recessed compass with glass cover 0and a fine blued steel compass hand. Engraved on the reverse side are the names and latitudes of 26 European cities. The dial comes in its original leather covered traveling case with red velvet interior and a working catch. Jean-Baptiste-Nicolas Delure a renowned French horologist was given the title "under the license of the king" (Louis the XIV) in 1705. He had two workshops both on Il de la Cite, Paris.