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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Nuremberg diptych dial

Paul Reinmann Diptych Dial

Partially verified

This diptych dial is constructed from ivory and brass, measuring 43 by 80 by 11 mm. It is signed by Paul Reinmann and dated 1578, originating from Nuremberg. The instrument features a multi-dial configuration. The upper leaf includes an outer wind rose and an inner pin gnomon dial for Italian hours, alongside a string gnomon dial for common hours featuring a vignette of a putto resting on a skull. The lower leaf contains a compass bowl, a string gnomon dial for common hours, and a pin gnomon dial for Babylonian hours. The outer surface of the upper leaf displays engraved figures representing various time-telling devices, including a cylinder dial, diptych dial, armillary sphere, and astrolabe. A maker's mark consisting of a coronet is punched on the bottom. Certain components, specifically the wind vane, index arm, and the compass needle, glass, and ring, are missing.

A view of the Paul Reinmann ivory diptych dial (1578) with the leaves open, showing the internal dials and decorative vignettes.
A view of the Paul Reinmann ivory diptych dial (1578) with the leaves open, showing the internal dials and decorative vignettes. — 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 · Nuremberg diptych dial
Maker / attribution
Paul Reinmann
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
64221
Source-reported date
1578
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 Dials

The diptych dial is a rectangular instrument composed of ivory leaves hinged together, with brass components for assembly. The upper leaf interior contains a pin gnomon dial for Italian hours and a string gnomon dial for common hours. A central vignette features a putto resting his arm upon a skull, surrounded by an inscription including the maker's name and location.

The lower leaf interior is equipped with a compass bowl, a string gnomon dial for common hours, and a pin gnomon dial for Babylonian hours. The exterior of the upper leaf includes a wind rose, while the exterior of the lower leaf depicts a female figure. Several elements are identified as missing, including the compass glass, ring, and needle, as well as the wind vane and index arm.

Evidence for this section
  • “The inner part of the upper leaf has a decorative motif of circles and stars above a pin gnomon dial (pin missing) for Italian hours numbered in red from 13 to 24.”
  • “The inner part of the lower leaf has a compass bowl (glass, ring and needle missing) enclosed in a decoration and a string gnomon dial with common hours numbered from 4 to 12 to 8 in red.”
  • “The outer part of the upper leaf has a wind rose with 16 directions and eight winds named, and a compass viewing hole. The wind vane and index arm are missing.”

Engraved Decorations

The instrument is embellished with various engravings. On the outer side of the upper leaf, the spandrel spaces house figures representing individuals using instruments such as a cylinder dial, a diptych dial, an armillary sphere, and an astrolabe. A moon effigy is located at the top center.

The lower leaf exterior features a decorative arch and border surrounding an engraving of a woman wearing a veil, which has been associated with the appearance of a Vestal virgin. The edges of the dial are finished with geometrical patterns.

Evidence for this section
  • “In the spandrel spaces are engraved four figures of men using instruments: (clockwise from top) a cylinder dial, a diptych dial, an armillary sphere and an astrolabe”
  • “On the outer side of the lower leaf is represented a woman in Greek style veil (perhaps a Vestal virgin?) holding a pot of flowers, framed by a decorated arch and border.”

Signatures and Provenance

The dial is signed with the name of the maker, Paul Reinmann, and includes the location of Nuremberg. The date 1578 is present at the bottom of the upper leaf interior. A maker's mark consisting of a coronet is punched into the bottom of the object.

The object is catalogued within the collection of the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford, under the inventory number 64221. Reference to the instrument is made in research concerning Nuremberg ivory sundials.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signed by Paul Reinmann”
  • “Dated 1578; Nuremberg”
  • “On the bottom is punched the maker's mark (a coronet).”
  • “See P. Gouk, The Ivory Sundials of Nuremberg 1500-1700 (Cambridge, 1988).”

Open research questions

  • What specific role did the wind vane and index arm perform in the overall operation of this diptych dial?
  • Does the inclusion of the 'Vestal virgin' figure correlate with standard iconographic choices for Reinmann's workshop in 1578?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Paul Reinmann Diptych Dial
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPaul Reinmann“Signed by Paul Reinmann”
Date1578“Dated 1578”
Dimensions43 x 80 x 11 mm“43 x 80 x 11 mm”
MaterialsIvory and brass“Ivory and brass”
Maker's MarkCoronet“On the bottom is punched the maker's mark (a coronet).”
OriginNuremberg“Nuremberg”
Inventory Number64221“Inventory number: 64221”

Visible details

  • Ivory construction with brass fittings and hinges.
  • String gnomon present for the common hour dials.
  • Maker's mark of a coronet punched on the bottom.
  • Engraved figures of men using various astronomical instruments on the upper leaf exterior.

Research qualifications

  • Several components including the wind vane, index arm, compass glass, ring, and needle are noted as missing.
  • The identity of the woman depicted on the lower leaf is a source-suggested possibility rather than a confirmed identity.

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

Consulted source

Diptych Dial

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 2347eec36d

Terms in this record

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

Other nuremberg diptych dial records