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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Nuremberg diptych dial

Paul Reinmann Diptych Dial

Partially verified

This diptych dial, dated 1603 and signed by Paul Reinmann, is constructed from ivory and brass and measures 55 x 96 x 15 mm. The instrument consists of two leaves hinged together, featuring multiple integrated timekeeping systems, including string gnomon dials, a pin gnomon dial, an equatorial dial, and a scaphe gnomon dial for Italian and Babylonian hours. It incorporates a compass and features complex decorative motifs, such as blowing faces and star patterns, which the source describes as hallmarks of the maker. The object is marked with a quality 'n' symbol, indicating certification by the Nuremberg compass makers' guild. Additional features include a latitude scale on the edge, a wind rose, and a lunar volvelle. Although a compartment for a wind vane is present, the component is missing from the object in its current state.

Inner view of the diptych dial showing the upper leaf with the brass equatorial plate and the lower leaf with the central compass and scaphe dial.
Inner view of the diptych dial showing the upper leaf with the brass equatorial plate and the lower leaf with the central compass and scaphe dial. — 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
72160
Source-reported date
1603
Source-reported place
Nuremberg

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

Structural Design and Layout

The diptych dial is a composite instrument comprised of two ivory leaves connected by a hinge. The upper leaf serves as a multifaceted timekeeper, featuring a pin gnomon dial on its inner surface that uses zodiacal symbols for solar declination and indicates day length. Below this, a string gnomon dial tracks common hours, complemented by a centrally mounted brass plate representing the southern side of an equatorial dial marked with two twelve-hour sequences.

The lower leaf accommodates a compass at its center, surrounded by hour markings for a string gnomon. Toward the bottom of this leaf, a scaphe gnomon dial allows for the reading of both Italian and Babylonian hours. Brass fittings, including a latitude adjustment arm and a scale of latitudes ranging from 20 to 60 degrees, are mounted along the edges of the leaves, which also house internal storage compartments for the pins.

Evidence for this section
  • “The inner part of the upper leaf has a pin gnomon dial”
  • “is a string gnomon dial with common hours marked VI to XII to VI”
  • “The inner part of the lower leaf has a compass with the cardinal points marked”
  • “Below is a scaphe gnomon dial for Italian hours marked in brown from 8 to 23 and Babylonian hours marked in red from 1 to 16.”

Signatures and Guild Marks

The object displays formal marks of production and guild quality control. The maker’s signature, 'PAVLVS REINMAN FACIEBAT', is inscribed in red at the base of the inner upper leaf. The instrument also features a maker's mark in the form of a coronet on the outer portion of the lower leaf.

A key indicator of the instrument's professional standing is the presence of the 'n' mark. This mark was applied by sworn masters of the Nuremberg compass makers' guild to identify instruments that met the required standards of quality. Its inclusion on this piece confirms its production within the established framework of the Nuremberg craft guilds during the early seventeenth century.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signed by Paul Reinmann”
  • “the signature 'PAVLVS?REINMAN?FACIEBAT' in red”
  • “the maker's mark (a coronet)”
  • “the mark 'n' (for Nuremberg ) punched by sworn masters of the compass makers' guild on good instruments.”

Decorative Motifs and Astronomical Features

Reinmann integrated several artistic and astronomical elements into the ivory structure. The outer surface of the upper leaf contains a wind rose with 32 directions and a lunar volvelle equipped with a six-leaf flower center for time correction.

Similar decorative themes appear on the inner surfaces, where blowing faces and colored stars surround the compass and dial layouts. The scaphe is also adorned with a six-leaf flower and star motifs.

Evidence for this section
  • “the motifs of blowing faces, symbolising the winds, and the decorative frame with half moon and stars are characteristic of this maker.”
  • “The outer part of the upper leaf has a wind rose (wind vane missing) with 32 directions”
  • “The compass is encircled by the hour lines of a string gnomon dial”
  • “In the upper spandrels are blowing faces and coloured stars.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific composition of the brass alloy used in the equatorial plate and latitude arm?
  • How was the red pigment used in the inscriptions applied to the ivory to ensure long-term adhesion?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Paul Reinmann Diptych Dial
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPaul Reinmann“Signed by Paul Reinmann”
Date1603“Dated 1603”
LocationNuremberg“Nuremberg”
Dimensions55 x 96 x 15 mm“55 x 96 x 15 mm”
MaterialIvory and brass“Ivory and brass”
Guild markn“the mark 'n' (for Nuremberg ) punched by sworn masters of the compass makers' guild”
Maker's markCoronet“the maker's mark (a coronet)”
Inventory number72160“Inventory number 72160”

Visible details

  • Signed PAVLVS REINMAN FACIEBAT in red
  • Features a central brass plate for an equatorial dial
  • Includes both Italian and Babylonian hour scales in the scaphe
  • The wind vane is missing from the left side compartment

Research qualifications

  • The wind vane is confirmed as missing by the source
  • The source notes the signature as 'PAVLVS?REINMAN?FACIEBAT' suggesting potential degradation of the characters

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

Consulted source

Diptych Dial

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record daf16581bd

Terms in this record

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

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