Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Munich, Vienna, Germany, Austria · c. 1550s–1613

Alexius Schniep

Partially verified

Locksmith, clock maker, and sundial maker

Life & work

Born near Ulm, Alexius Schniep was the son of the instrument maker Ulrich Schniep.

Following his family's relocation to Munich in 1554, he underwent professional training under his father as both a locksmith and a clockmaker. He began creating his own scientific instruments by at least 1571, continuing the family tradition of producing sundials. In 1583, he relocated his practice to Vienna, where he remained active until his death in 1613.

The fuller biography summarises the open references listed under Sources; each statement was checked against the cited passage. Confirm key dates in period documents before relying on them.

Training, contributions & innovations

  • He produced sophisticated sundials that often integrated components such as folding gnomons, compasses, and astronomical scales.

Documented works

  • An inclining dial signed by the maker exists, dated 1578, currently held in the Museum of the History of Science collection.
  • A vertical disc dial bearing his signature and the location of Vienna dates to circa 1600.

Collecting significance

The catalogued pieces listed on this page show the kinds of objects auction houses, dealers and museums attribute to this maker; each attribution is the source's own.

Firms, key models & movements

No firm, model or movement in this encyclopedia is yet recorded under this maker's name.

In the object catalogue

2 catalogued objects are recorded under Alexius Schniep. Attributions are as given by each source and are not independent authentication.

  • The sundial shown with the lid opened, revealing the internal string gnomon, compass, and dial markings.
  • A gilt brass vertical disc dial with a folding gnomon and tripod base, signed by Alexius Schniep, circa 1600.

Sources & references

  1. Epact: Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance ..., History of Science Museum, Oxford, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  2. Epact: Vertical Disc Dial signed by Alexius Schniep, circa 1600, History of Science Museum, Oxford, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  3. Epact: Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe, History of Science Museum, Oxford, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  4. Schniep, Alexius (gest. 1613) - Watch-Wiki - Das Uhrenlexikon, Watch-Wiki, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.