Tool · Pocket sundial

Michael Butterfield Silver Pocket Sundial

Partially verified

This octagonal silver pocket sundial is attributed by the source to Michael Butterfield, produced in Paris in the late seventeenth century. The instrument features an adjustable hinged gnomon designed with an engraved bird figure. The top plate is engraved with concentric Roman and Arabic numeral hour scales corresponding to latitudes 43, 46, 49, and 52 degrees, and carries the signature 'Butterfield Paris' near the gnomon base. An inset circular glazed magnetic compass incorporates block lettering for cardinal points, with 'OUEST' visible. The source notes that the reverse is engraved with latitudes for twenty-two principal cities.

Oblique view of the octagonal silver pocket sundial showing the bird gnomon and compass — Bonhams Skinner. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.bidsquare.com
Category: Tool · Pocket sundial
Maker / attribution: Michael Butterfield
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 679
Source-reported date: late 17th 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

Object Description and Attribution

The instrument is a silver, octagonal pocket sundial documented in the source record as being produced by Michael Butterfield in Paris during the late 17th century.

The piece features a hinged gnomon with an adjustable index shaped like a bird, and a signature 'Butterfield Paris' located at the base of the hinge.

Evidence for this section

“Silver Pocket Sundial by Michael Butterfield, Paris, late 17th century”
“the octagonal plate signed at the base of the adjustable bird-shaped hinged gnomon "Butterfield Paris,"”

Dial and Compass Features

The horizontal dial plate is engraved with concentric horary scales using both Roman and Arabic numerals. These scales correspond to latitudes 43, 46, 49, and 52.

An inset circular compass is present on the plate, covered by glazing. The compass features cardinal points rendered in block lettering.

Evidence for this section

“engraved with roman and arabic numeral horary scales for latitudes 43, 46, 49, and 52”
“glazed compass with cardinal points in block lettering”

Reverse Engraving

The auction description states that the reverse side of the sundial is engraved with a list of latitudes for twenty-two principal cities.

This specific detail is not visible in the provided photographic documentation.

Evidence for this section

“the reverse engraved with the latitudes of twenty-two principle cities”

Open research questions

What are the names of the twenty-two cities listed on the reverse of the dial?
Do the specific latitude settings of 43, 46, 49, and 52 degrees appear on other documented Butterfield-attributed sundials?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Michael Butterfield Silver Pocket Sundial
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker Signature	Butterfield Paris	“signed at the base of the adjustable bird-shaped hinged gnomon "Butterfield Paris,"”
Origin	Paris, late 17th century	“Paris, late 17th century”
Horary Scales	Latitudes 43, 46, 49, and 52	“engraved with roman and arabic numeral horary scales for latitudes 43, 46, 49, and 52”
Reverse Inscription	Latitudes of twenty-two principle cities	“the reverse engraved with the latitudes of twenty-two principle cities”
Dimensions	Length 3 in., width 2 3/4 in.	“lg. 3, wd. 2 3/4 in.”
Dimensions	Length 3 inches, width 2 3/4 inches	“lg. 3, wd. 2 3/4 in.”

Visible details

Octagonal silver horizontal plate engraved with multiple concentric hour tracks in Roman and Arabic numerals.
Hinged gnomon incorporates a carved and engraved bird motif acting as an adjustable index.
Integrated glazed circular compass well contains a magnetic needle with cardinal points engraved in capital letters, including 'OUEST'.
Signature 'Butterfield' is clearly engraved in cursive script directly beneath the gnomon hinge.

Research qualifications

The reverse side engraving with city latitudes is reported by the auction catalog but is not visible in the photograph.

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

Consulted source

Silver Pocket Sundial by Michael Butterfield sold at auction on 20th April | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 08452440a2

Terms in this record

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