Early 18th Century Silver Horizontal 'Butterfield Sundial’

This solid silver horizontal pocket sundial was made in France by Michael Butterfield (1635 – 1724) and signed ‘Butterfield a Paris’, with the ‘Fleur-de-Lis’ hallmarks on both sides. This is a sophisticated sundial Instrument consisting of an octagonal plate (measures 5.4cm, 2? 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 four sets of engraved scales alternating in Roman and Arabic numeral made for latitudes of 43, 46, 49 and 52. The dial incorporates a recessed compass with glass cover (cracked) and 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 green velvet interior and silver lock.