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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Diptych sundial

Nuremberg ivory folding sundial and compass by Lienhart Miler

Partially verified

This diptych sundial and compass was produced in Nuremberg and is dated 1617. Crafted from carved and painted ivory with metal mountings, gilding, and a hemp cord, the instrument consists of two rectangular hinged leaves. The interior vertical face displays sundial calibrations, while the horizontal base leaf integrates an inset magnetic compass surrounded by sundial hour scales and a lunar clock ring. The source states the upper outer face carries a compass rose denoting the four winds, and the left edge features an aperture originally intended for a wind sock. The lower horizontal plate bears the engraved signature 'LIENHART MILER 1617', alongside a heraldic lily device within the compass well.

Three-quarter perspective view of the opened folding ivory sundial showing inner dials, string gnomon, and inset compass
Three-quarter perspective view of the opened folding ivory sundial showing inner dials, string gnomon, and inset compass — Lempertz. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.lempertz.com
Category
Tool · Diptych sundial
Maker / attribution
Lienhart Miler
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1490
Source-reported date
1617
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 and Materials

The instrument is a diptych folding sundial constructed of carved, painted ivory with metal mountings and gilding. The design features two rectangular panels joined by four hinges, accompanied by a hemp cord.

The left edge of the instrument contains an aperture described by the source as intended for a wind sock, which is currently missing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Made from carved and painted ivory with metal mountings, gilding and a hemp cord.”
  • “Designed as two rectangular panels with four hinges”
  • “the left edge with an aperture for a (missing) wind sock.”

Dial and Compass Mechanism

The interior contains a sundial. The horizontal base leaf integrates a compass, which features a heraldic lily device, as well as a lunar clock.

The upper face features a compass rose denoting the four winds.

Evidence for this section
  • “the inside with a sundial, the base with a compass and lunar clock”
  • “the upper face with a compass rose showing the four winds”
  • “with a heraldic lily in the compass.”

Identification and Documentation

The instrument is signed 'LIENHART MILER 1617'. The source documentation contains a discrepancy regarding the location of this signature, describing it as engraved on the underside.

The dimensions are listed as H 1.3, W 5.6, D 9.2 m. The 'm' designation appears to be a typographical error.

Evidence for this section
  • “Engraved on the underside "LIENHART MILER 1617"”
  • “When closed H 1.3, W 5.6, D 9.2 m.”

Open research questions

  • What is the functional purpose of the aperture referred to as a wind sock in this source?
  • Does the 'heraldic lily' within the compass correspond to specific maker's marks or guild identifiers for Nuremberg ivory workers?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Nuremberg ivory folding sundial and compass by Lienhart Miler
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Signature and DateLIENHART MILER 1617“Engraved on the underside "LIENHART MILER 1617"”
MaterialsCarved and painted ivory, metal mountings, gilding, hemp cord“Made from carved and painted ivory with metal mountings, gilding and a hemp cord.”
DimensionsH 1.3, W 5.6, D 9.2 m [cm] (closed)“When closed H 1.3, W 5.6, D 9.2 m.”
Compass DeviceHeraldic lily“with a heraldic lily in the compass.”
MakerLienhart Miler“Engraved on the underside "LIENHART MILER 1617"”
Date1617“LIENHART MILER 1617”

Visible details

  • Diptych form standing open supported by a cord gnomon
  • Carved and polychrome engraved markings with astronomical and zodiacal symbols
  • Circular inset compass well with a preserved magnetic needle on the horizontal lower leaf
  • Engraved signature 'LIENHART * MILER * 1617' visible at the lower edge of the horizontal leaf

Research qualifications

  • Source notes the aperture on the left edge is missing its original wind sock
  • Source cataloguing lists depth as '9.2 m', an apparent typographic error for centimeters
  • Source states the signature is on the underside, though it is visibly engraved along the lower edge of the interior horizontal leaf

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

Consulted source

A Nuremberg folding sundial and compass - Lot 1490

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 4617c50a29

Terms in this record

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