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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Horizontal dial

Horizontal Dial by Hans Graf

Partially verified

This 1563 horizontal dial, attributed to maker Hans Graf of Gundhalbing, is a circular block of wood measuring 140 mm in diameter. It is constructed from wood with decorative ivory insets and features an applied silver ring engraved with hours ranging from IIII to XII to VIII. The XII numeral is smaller in scale than the others. The central portion of the block contains two integrated compasses marked with the cardinal points 'SE', 'OR', 'ME', and 'OC' in alternating red and black lettering. The surface of the wood block is further adorned with ivory flower insets and a signature scrollwork containing the maker's name, the date, and the initials 'IM' and 'IAR'. A circular well and square perforation in the center of the block indicate its original function as a component within a larger miner's surveying set, though the rest of the equipment is currently missing.

Horizontal dial featuring two inset compasses and engraved silver hour ring.
Horizontal dial featuring two inset compasses and engraved silver hour ring. — British Museum, London. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.mhs.ox.ac.uk
Category
Tool · Horizontal dial
Maker / attribution
Hans Graf
Reference
MLA 1862, 8-9.3
Catalogue / lot identifier
MLA 1862, 8-9.3
Source-reported date
1563
Source-reported place
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

Construction and Design

The horizontal dial is crafted from a circular block of wood, meticulously detailed with ivory insets that manifest as floral motifs across the instrument's surface. The timekeeping component consists of an applied silver ring encircling the wood block, upon which the hours are engraved in Roman numerals. Specifically, the hour sequence is marked from IIII to XII and continues to VIII, with the XII numeral distinctively smaller than the surrounding digits.

Four paired piercings are positioned above the XII numeral, potentially intended for securing the instrument to additional equipment. The center of the dial block contains a circular well and a square perforation, which facilitate its attachment to the components of a miner's survey set. The overall assembly of wood and silver reveals the integrated nature of the dial within a larger surveying tool kit.

Evidence for this section
  • “It is a circular block of wood, with ivory insets and the hours engraved on an applied silver ring.”
  • “Above this numeral are four paired piercing, probably for fixing the instrument to other parts.”
  • “At the centre is a circular well and a square perforation for fixing the part to the rest of the survey set.”

Compasses and Markings

The central area of the wooden block features two integrated compasses, which are recessed into the structure. The cardinal points are represented by abbreviations, specifically 'SE', 'OR', 'ME', and 'OC'. These letters are applied in alternating red and black colors, providing a visual distinction on the compass dials. These elements serve as the primary directional reference points for the instrument.

Beyond the compasses, the object bears a formal signature on the lower portion of the wooden block. It is inscribed 'HANS GRAF ZV GVNDHALBING' within scrollwork, accompanied by the year 1563 and the initials 'IM' and 'IAR'. This inscription serves as the primary identification for both the maker and the dating of the artifact.

Evidence for this section
  • “In the central part of the block are two compasses with the cardinal points abbreviated 'SE', 'OR', 'ME', 'OC' in alternating red and black letters.”
  • “On the bottom part of the wood block is the signature, date and initials 'HANS GRAF ZV GVNDHALBING', '1563', 'IM', 'IAR' in scrollwork.”

Historical Context

While the specific function of the complete set is implied by the name, the individual dial is the only portion currently held by the British Museum. The instrument's history is documented by its inclusion in the 1981 catalog authored by F. A. B. Ward regarding European scientific instruments in the museum's Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities.

The piece was officially acquired by the museum in 1862. Currently, there is no further information regarding the remainder of the survey set, leaving the broader assembly of the tool incomplete in the museum's collection.

Evidence for this section
  • “This wooden dial was part of a miner's surveying set”
  • “Nothing is known at present about the rest of the surveying set.”
  • “The instrument was purchased in 1862 and is described in F. A. B. Ward, A Catalogue of European Scientific Instruments”

Open research questions

  • What specific purpose did the initials 'IM' and 'IAR' serve in relation to the maker?
  • Could the remaining parts of the surveyor's set be identified in other historical collections?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Horizontal Dial by Hans Graf
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerHans Graf“Signed by Hans Graf”
Date1563“Dated 1563; Gundhalbing”
Dimensions140 mm diameter“140 mm in diameter”
LocationBritish Museum, London“Holding museum: British Museum, London”
Registration NumberMLA 1862, 8-9.3“Registration no. MLA 1862, 8-9.3”
ProvenancePurchased 1862“The instrument was purchased in 1862”

Visible details

  • Hours on silver ring are engraved IIII to XII to VIII.
  • Two compasses are set into the central wooden block.
  • Cardinal points are abbreviated SE, OR, ME, OC in red and black.
  • Ivory floral insets decorate the wooden surfaces.

Research qualifications

  • The exact function of the four paired piercings above the XII numeral remains speculative.
  • The current whereabouts of the rest of the original miner's surveying set are unknown.

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

Consulted source

Horizontal Dial

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 4628ca7d4d

Terms in this record

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

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