A fine late 16th-Century gilt brass diptych dial,

Details

A fine late 16th-Century gilt brass diptych dial,
unsigned, but thought to be by Johann Anton Linden, dated ANNO DNI. M.D.XCIX (1599)
Face A: the cover; engraved with a wind rose within foliate decoration, the borders engraved SEPTE*TRIO, ORIENS, MERIDIES, OCCIDENS, also engraved with the date, the double hand with one extended and one short pointer
Face B: the inner cover; with pin gnomon dial, well engraved and inscribed TEMPORA MUTATUR ET NOS MUTAMUR IN ILLIS, the string gnomon connected to-
Face C: the horizontal; the string gnomon dial set for 50° with adjacent pin gnomon dial, the compass well 1 1/8in. (2.9cm.) diameter with silvered dial and blued-iron needle with brass cap
Face D: the underside; engraved ZEIT FEIRET NICHT SEI FERTG DES TODS ALL STUND GEWERTIG - [?]the celebration of time is not finished if one is not aware of death at every hour, with floral decoration and two perpetual calendar scales EPACTA.IULIA and EPAC:GREGO for epoch ANNO CHRISTI 1597-1615, the volvelle with sunburst and aperture.
The Edges: engraved with geometric decoration and fixed with two (of three) horses-head shaped hooks -- 3½in. (8.9cm.) x 2½in. (6.3cm.)

See Colour Illustration and details

Lot Essay

Although unsigned, there is a strong case for attribution to Linden on stylistic grounds. A signed astronomical compendium by Linden dated 1596 is described and illustrated as item 357, plates LVII and LVIII in F.A.B. Ward's Catalogue of European Scientific Instruments in the Departments of Medieval and Later Antiquities of the British Museum (London).

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