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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Scientific instrument

Chalice-form gilt-brass scaphe-dial

Partially verified

This early seventeenth-century gilt-brass scaphe sundial is configured in the form of a chalice, mounted on a baluster stem and a six-lobed pierced base. The hexagonal chalice bowl features internal hour-scales for latitude 49 degrees, covering equal hours 4–12–8, along with radiating House of Heaven lines and zodiac scales for day and night lengths marked TAG LENG and NACHT LENG. A miniature magnetic compass set for N8°E declination rests at the bottom of the interior. The chalice currently features a short pin gnomon in place of an original polar style.

Full view of the chalice-form gilt-brass scaphe-dial showing the hexagonal cup, stem, and pierced base
Full view of the chalice-form gilt-brass scaphe-dial showing the hexagonal cup, stem, and pierced base — British Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.britishmuseum.org
Category
Tool · Scientific instrument
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
1888,1201.281
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
17thC(early)
Country
Germany (?)

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Object Description and Construction

This object is a gilt-brass scaphe-dial in the form of a hexagonal chalice. It measures 137 mm in height and 95 mm in maximum width. The exterior of the chalice bowl is lightly engraved with scrollwork.

The chalice features a cast and chased stem. The six-lobed base, which is pierced with scrollwork, is noted as a likely later replacement. The current gnomon consists of a short pin, described as incorrect, replacing the original polar style gnomon.

Evidence for this section
  • “Scaphe-dial in form of chalice; gilt-brass; hexagonal”
  • “Height: 137 millimetres Width: 95 millimetres (max)”
  • “the upper part of the chalice itself is lightly engraved on the outside with scrolls.”
  • “The chalice has a cast and chased stem rising from a six-lobed base pierced with scrollwork which is a later replacement”
  • “the present short pin is incorect.”

Functional Markings and Scales

The interior basin is inscribed for a latitude of 49°. It functions as a dial of direction rather than an altitude dial. The interior features equal hour-scales marked 4-12-8.

Also present are lines for the boundaries of the House of Heaven, labeled 'DO/MVS', as well as scales marked with zodiac signs for day and night lengths, labeled 'TAG LENG' and 'NACHT LENG' with numerical ranges.

Evidence for this section
  • “latitude 49 degrees”
  • “The dial is, in fact, a dial of direction, not an altitude dial.”
  • “The internal hour-scales are for equal hours, 4-12-8.”
  • “The title DO/MVS appears among these.”
  • “scales, marked with zodiac signs, for reading the length of the day and night, marked TAG LENG and NACHT LENG”

Compass and Chronology

A magnetic compass is set at the bottom of the chalice interior, calibrated for a declination of N8°E.

The object is attributed to the early 17th century. Its place of production is recorded as Germany, though this attribution is marked with uncertainty.

Evidence for this section
  • “at the bottom of the chalice interior is a compass set for declination of N8°E.”
  • “Production date 17thC(early)”
  • “Made in: Germany (?)”

Open research questions

  • What specific archival or stylistic markers led to the tentative attribution of German manufacture?
  • Are there records from the Octavius Morgan collection detailing the state of the six-lobed base at the time of his acquisition?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Chalice-form gilt-brass scaphe-dial
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Museum number1888,1201.281“Museum number 1888,1201.281”
Form and MaterialChalice-form scaphe-dial in gilt-brass“Scaphe-dial in form of chalice; gilt-brass; hexagonal”
Latitude and CompassLatitude 49°, compass set for N8°E declination“latitude 49 degrees; bottom of interior: compass set for declination N8E”
DimensionsHeight 137 mm, maximum width 95 mm“Height: 137 millimetres Width: 95 millimetres (max)”
AcquisitionBequeathed by Octavius Morgan“Bequeathed by: Octavius Morgan”
Museum number1888,1201.281“Museum number 1888,1201.281”
AcquisitionBequeathed by Octavius Morgan“Bequeathed by: Octavius Morgan”

Visible details

  • Six-sided flared chalice cup with engraved scrollwork along the upper exterior rim
  • Turned baluster stem supported by an openwork foliate six-lobed base
  • Interior multi-faceted surface engraved with astrological symbols, coordinate lines, and a central circular compass

Research qualifications

  • Place of manufacture in Germany is attributed with uncertainty in museum records
  • Curatorial notes indicate the pierced six-lobed base is likely a later replacement and the short pin gnomon is incorrect

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

scaphe-dial; sundial | British Museum

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record cc65a79f7a

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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