Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Equatorial sundial

Johann Georg Vogler Equatorial Sundial

Partially verified

This silver equatorial sundial attributed to Johann Georg Vogler features an octagonal base framing an integral circular compass. The instrument is fitted with a folding chapter ring displaying Roman numerals, a graduated folding latitude arc, and an ornamental support, mounted over foliate scrollwork engraving. The central glazed compass contains an engraved compass rose with directional indications. The auction house reports that the underside is monogrammed 'I.G.V.' and engraved with pole lengths and names for twenty European cities, while noting the glazing is replaced and the pole hand is lost.

Top view of the octagonal silver equatorial sundial with folded chapter ring, graduated arc, and glazed compass
Top view of the octagonal silver equatorial sundial with folded chapter ring, graduated arc, and glazed compass — Lempertz. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.lempertz.com
Category
Tool · Equatorial sundial
Maker / attribution
Johann Georg Vogler
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1668
Source-reported date
around 1720 - 1765
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

Physical Configuration

The instrument consists of an octagonal silver base containing a circular compass case. The four cardinal directions are engraved on the plate as "SERIEN," "ORIEN," "MERIDI," and "OCCIDE."

The sundial includes a folding chapter ring, a folding frame, and a graduated latitude arc.

Evidence for this section
  • “Octagonal base with round compass case”
  • “the four directions engraved "SERIEN", "ORIEN", "MERIDI" and "OCCIDE"”
  • “Folding dial, graduated arc and frame.”

Compass and Underside Markings

The instrument utilizes a blued steel hand within the compass. The underside of the base is engraved with the names of twenty European cities along with their corresponding pole lengths.

The monogram "I.G.V." is engraved on the underside of the instrument.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silver, blued steel hand, glazing.”
  • “The underside engraved with the pole lengths and names of 20 European cities.”
  • “Monogrammed I.G.V. on the underside.”

Condition and Attribution

The source identifies the object as having replaced glazing and a lost pole hand.

The instrument is attributed to Johann Georg Vogler of Augsburg (active circa 1720–1765), based on the monogram found on the underside.

Evidence for this section
  • “Glazing replaced, pole hand lost.”
  • “Augsburg, Johann Georg Vogler (around 1720 - 1765).”
  • “Monogrammed I.G.V. on the underside.”

Open research questions

  • What is the complete list of the twenty European cities engraved on the underside?
  • How does the listed pole length data compare to geographical records for the cited cities in the 18th century?
  • Does the referenced literature (Syndram, 1989) provide specific context for the 'I.G.V.' monogram attribution?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Johann Georg Vogler Equatorial Sundial
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJohann Georg Vogler“Augsburg, Johann Georg Vogler (around 1720 - 1765).”
MaterialsSilver, blued steel hand, glazing“Silver, blued steel hand, glazing.”
Base ShapeOctagonal base with round compass case“Octagonal base with round compass case”
Directional MarkingsSERIEN, ORIEN, MERIDI and OCCIDE“the four directions engraved "SERIEN", "ORIEN", "MERIDI" and "OCCIDE".”
Underside MarkingsPole lengths, names of 20 European cities, monogrammed I.G.V.“The underside engraved with the pole lengths and names of 20 European cities. Monogrammed I.G.V. on the underside.”
DimensionsL 6.9, W 6.6 cm“L 6.9, W 6.6 cm.”
DimensionsLength 6.9 cm, Width 6.6 cm“L 6.9, W 6.6 cm.”
ProvenanceEx-collection Italian“Provenance From an important Italian collection.”

Visible details

  • Octagonal silver plate engraved with scrolling acanthus patterns around the central compass aperture.
  • Folding chapter ring engraved with Roman numerals from III to XII and I to IX.
  • Graduated folding latitude arc marked from 10 to 80 degrees.
  • Glazed central compass bowl containing an engraved multi-point compass rose and directional markings including ORIEN and OCC[IDE].
  • Blued steel magnetic needle pivoted at the centre of the compass.

Research qualifications

  • Source notes the glazing has been replaced and the pole hand is lost.
  • Maker attribution to Johann Georg Vogler relies on source documentation and monogram, not verified on the visible face.

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

Consulted source

An equatorial sundial - Lot 1668

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 05038dc7a5

Terms in this record

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