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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · German horizontal dial

Horizontal string gnomon sundial by Andreas Mar

Partially verified

This portable horizontal sundial, crafted from gilt copper, measures 51 x 34 x 13 mm. Signed 'ANDREA . MAR . FECET' by the maker, it dates to 1589. The instrument comprises a rectangular box featuring a hinged lid, a suspension ring, and a broken clasp. The primary timekeeping component is a horizontal string-gnomon dial mounted within the box, with an hour scale running from 4 to 12 to 8. A folding support, which is sprung to the vertical and incorporates a plummet for levelling, holds the gnomon. Orientation is facilitated by an inset compass, 19 mm in diameter, calibrated for magnetic variation. The cover’s exterior bears an engraved coat of arms and the initials 'H P', while its interior features a circular scale and an engraved wreath. Decorative engraving ornaments the base and sides of the box.

Horizontal sundial by Andreas Mar, 1589, featuring a folding gnomon support, an inset compass, and engraved detailing.
Horizontal sundial by Andreas Mar, 1589, featuring a folding gnomon support, an inset compass, and engraved detailing. — Museum of the History of Science, Oxford. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.mhs.ox.ac.uk
Category
Tool · German horizontal dial
Maker / attribution
Andreas Mar
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
53639
Source-reported date
1589
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 Dial Layout

The instrument is constructed as a rectangular box in gilt copper, measuring 51 x 34 x 13 mm, and includes a hinged lid intended to protect the internal components. When opened, the main box reveals a horizontal string-gnomon sundial. The string originates from the center of an engraved sun motif and is tensioned by a folding gnomon support. This support is sprung to lock into a vertical position and integrates a plummet to assist the user in leveling the instrument.

The hour scale on the main bed is inscribed from 4 to 12 to 8. For orientation, the dial includes an inset compass 19 mm in diameter. This compass features a cross of direction with markers labeled 'S', 'OR', 'M', and 'OC' and is specifically marked to account for magnetic variation. Decorative engraving is applied to the exterior base and sides of the box.

Evidence for this section
  • “The instrument consists of a box with a suspension ring and a hinged lid.”
  • “There is a decorated folding gnomon support incorporating a plummet and sprung to the vertical.”
  • “The scale of hours runs from 4 to 12 to 8 and the string emerges from the centre of a sun figure.”
  • “The inset compass is 19 mm in diameter with a cross of direction labelled 'S', 'OR', 'M' and 'OC' and is marked for variation.”

Lid Decoration and Signatures

The exterior of the hinged cover is decorated with a coat of arms set within a border, along with the initials 'H P' and the year 1589. These are considered to represent the original owner who commissioned the object. The sides of the lid are finished with hatched engraving.

The underside of the lid contains a circular scale numbered 1 to 12, framed by an engraved wreath. The maker’s signature, 'ANDREA . MAR . FECET', is engraved along the edge of this internal lid surface. It is suggested that a rotating index may have once been fixed at the center of the circular scale on the inside lid, though this is not present.

Evidence for this section
  • “The upper face of the cover leaf has an engraved coat of arms in a decorative border along with the initial's of (presumably) the first owner 'H P' and the date 1589.”
  • “Along the outermost edge is the signature 'ANDREA . MAR . FECET'.”
  • “The inside face of the cover contains a circular scale 1 to 12 within an engraved wreath.”
  • “There may once have been a rotating index fixed at the centre of the scale.”

Provenance and Condition

The object is held by the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford, under inventory number 53639. The instrument was previously part of the Lewis Evans Collection, catalogued under reference G. 398.

The current physical condition is noted by the presence of a broken clasp, which suggests the lid may not secure as intended. Beyond the clasp, the description identifies that the instrument remains a functional representative of portable dials from the late 16th century.

Evidence for this section
  • “Provenance: Lewis Evans Collection G. 398.”
  • “There is a broken clasp.”
  • “This horizontal string gnomon sundial is a small and simple representative of one of the standard types of late 16th-century German portable sundial”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific significance of the markings 'OR', 'M', and 'OC' on the compass?
  • Are there other known instruments by Andreas Mar that feature similar internal lid scales?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Horizontal string gnomon sundial by Andreas Mar
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerAndreas Mar“Signed by Andreas Mar”
Date1589“Dated 1589”
Dimensions51 x 34 x 13 mm“51 x 34 x 13 mm”
MaterialGilt copper“Gilt copper”
Compass19 mm diameter“The inset compass is 19 mm in diameter”
SignatureANDREA . MAR . FECET“Along the outermost edge is the signature 'ANDREA . MAR . FECET'.”
ProvenanceLewis Evans Collection“Provenance: Lewis Evans Collection G. 398.”

Visible details

  • Hinged lid with a suspension ring
  • Folding gnomon support with integral plummet
  • Inset circular compass with cardinal markers
  • Engraved sun figure at the gnomon anchor point

Research qualifications

  • Originality of the potential central rotating index in the lid is unverified
  • Exact identity of the owner 'H P' remains speculative

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

Consulted source

Horizontal Dial

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record bde14056b2

Terms in this record

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

Other german horizontal dial records