16th Century German Inclining String-Gnomon Sundial By Ulrich Schniep.

A 16th Century German Inclining String-Gnomon Sundial By Ulrich Schniep. This is a portable sundial signed *15*V*S*85*, [VLRICH SCHNIEP 1585]. The instrument is composed of a gilt brass rectangular box 60 mm (2.3 inch) long with hinged lid, engraved with very beautiful decoration on all of its faces. Ulrich Schniep, the maker of this ingenious sundial was granted a license in Munich in 1554 and was appointed as the time-telling instrument maker to Wilhelm V, Duke of Bavaria (1548-1626). The principal elements of this inclining string gnomon sundial includes: a table of the latitudes of 36 major European cities, a horary volvelle for converting between Italian and ordinary equal hours, an inclining hinged horizontal plate with engraving of the hour lines, sprung folding gnomon support with plummet for adjusting latitudes from 42° to 52°. The dial is equipped with a rotating compass (lacks needle), for compensating the declination error between magnetic and true north. For detailed description of this unique sundial, please refer to: http://www.gilai.com/clocks/tti217.html. Provenance: Masterpiece from the Time Museum, Chicago, inventory No. 1082.