Source catalogue · individual objects

Object Catalogue

Individual objects described by auction houses, specialist dealers and collection catalogues. Attribution, dates and specifications remain source-reported unless independently established; rights clearance is pending.

MakerSearch objectsCategoryTypeSource

Browse makers and their key pieces · Alexius Schniep profile

Only objects with a full description

2 of 5699 objects · Page 1 of 1

A gilt brass vertical disc dial with a folding gnomon and tripod base, signed by Alexius Schniep, circa 1600.

Tool · Other sundial

Vertical Disc Dial by Alexius Schniep

This gilt brass vertical disc dial, attributed to the maker Alexius Schniep, is dated to circa 1600. Measuring 145 x 85 x 2 mm, the instrument is constructed with a flat half-ring supported by a brass tripod stand. A folding gnomon is provided for timekeeping, with hour lines engraved on the ring, indicating common hours from VI to XII to VI to the half-hour. The central portion of the instrument features a round brass plate displaying the lengths of the day and night with hour markings and sunrise and sunset indicators. The reverse of the round plate includes a pierced lunar volvelle with an aspectarium. A compass is soldered to the top of the dial, which is currently missing its original needle and glass cover. The instrument displays technical markings in Latin, including cardinal points and descriptive labels for its various astronomical functions.

Full description

www.mhs.ox.ac.uk · 33775

The sundial shown with the lid opened, revealing the internal string gnomon, compass, and dial markings.

Tool · Other sundial

Inclining dial by Alexius Schniep

This inclining string gnomon sundial was created in 1578 by Alexius Schniep in Munich. The instrument measures 67 x 44 x 11 mm and is constructed from gilt brass. It consists of a hollow base containing a magnetic compass and a hinged lid that serves as the sundial. The dial features an hour scale, zodiac signs, and a string gnomon supported by a folding structure decorated with fish motifs. The base holds a rotatable compass for determining magnetic variation, complete with a degree scale. The exterior of the instrument includes a latitude table for 32 locations, while the underside is engraved with a figure of a woman, identified as a possible representation of Urania, set within an architectural archway. The maker's signature is positioned beneath the folding gnomon support, remaining visible only when the support is in its folded position.

Full description