Tool · Scientific instrument (pocket sundial)

French Butterfield pattern pocket sundial by Bion

Partially verified

This early eighteenth-century French Butterfield pattern pocket sundial is catalogued by Gorringe's as made by Bion, Paris. The instrument features an engraved octagonal silver-plated plate incorporating multiple hour tracks, foliate scroll engraving, and an integrated magnetic compass. Its adjustable folding gnomon is supported by a bird-shaped strut with a graduated latitude quadrant. According to the auction description, the reverse side is engraved with latitudes of various European cities. The sundial is housed in a fitted hinged leather case lined with faded velvet.

Top view of the octagonal silver-plated Butterfield pocket sundial resting in its fitted open leather case — Gorringe's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: auction.gorringes.co.uk
Category: Tool · Scientific instrument (pocket sundial)
Maker / attribution: Bion, Paris
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 285
Source-reported date: early 18th century
Country: France

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

Physical Configuration

The sundial is constructed on an octagonal silver-plated plate. It features engraved hour scales on the upper face.

The instrument includes an integrated magnetic compass. The folding gnomon is supported by a bird-shaped strut.

Evidence for this section

“silvered Butterfield pattern pocket sundial”
“engraved octagonal plate”
“the gnomen supported by birds”

Storage and Presentation

The sundial is housed in a fitted leather case. The interior of the case is reported to be faded and stained.

The case exhibits a loose hinge.

Evidence for this section

“in a fitted leather case.”
“The interior of the case is faded and stained, and the hinge is loose.”

Documentation and Condition

The auction catalogue attributes the object to the maker Bion, Paris, and describes it as an early 18th-century piece. The reverse side is noted to contain engraved latitudes of various European cities.

Reported condition issues include wear, loss to the silver plating, and discolouration.

Evidence for this section

“An early 18th century French silvered Butterfield pattern pocket sundial by Bion, Paris”
“the reverse engraved with the latitudes of various European cities”
“There is some wear, areas of loss to the silver plating and discolouration”

Open research questions

What specific inscription or mark appears on the reverse of this object?
Are there additional engraved details on the plate surface beyond those noted by the auction house?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Butterfield pattern pocket sundial by Bion
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	Bion, Paris	“pocket sundial by Bion, Paris”
Date	Early 18th century	“An early 18th century French silvered Butterfield pattern pocket sundial”
Plate Form	Engraved octagonal plate	“with engraved octagonal plate”
Gnomon Detail	Supported by birds	“the gnomen supported by birds”
Reverse Inscriptions	Latitudes of European cities	“the reverse engraved with the latitudes of various European cities”
Enclosure	Fitted leather case	“in a fitted leather case”
Auction Result	£800	“Sold for £800”

Visible details

Engraved octagonal metal dial plate with concentric hour scales and foliate flourishes.
Integrated round magnetic compass glazed with cardinal direction markings.
Folding gnomon supported by a figural bird strut alongside an engraved latitude arc.
Hinged octagonal black leather case with a faded reddish-brown velvet-lined interior.

Research qualifications

The maker signature 'Bion, Paris' and the reverse side engraved with European city latitudes are documented by the auctioneer but not visible in the provided image.
The source notes wear, loss to silver plating, discolouration, fading and staining to the case lining, and a loose hinge.

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

Consulted source

An early 18th century French silvered Butterfield pattern pocket sundial by Bion, Paris, with engraved octagonal plate and the gnomen supported by birds, the reverse engraved with the latitudes of various European cities Sale 160625 - Lot 285 - - Gorringe's

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record ec5df9ae83

Terms in this record

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