French Silver Sundial Early 18th Century by Delure. An Early 18th Century Silver Horizontal 'Butterfield Sundial’. This solid silver horizontal pocket sundial was made in France by Jean-Baptiste-Nicolas Delure (1695 – 1736) and signed ‘Delure a Paris’. This is a sophisticated sundial Instrument consisting of an octagonal plate (measures 6.5cm, 2½ inches) on which the shadow is cast through an adjustable quadrant (adjusted from 40 to 60 latitude degrees), carried on a folding hinged gnomon, and supported by a form of a small bird. The dial chapter includes three sets of engraved scales alternating in Roman and Arabic numeral made for latitudes of 40º, 45º, and 50º. The dial incorporates a recessed compass with glass cover and a fine blued steel compass hand. Engraved on the reverse side are the names and latitudes of 26 European cities. The dial comes in a fitted leather covered traveling case with red velvet interior and a working catch. Jean-Baptiste-Nicolas Delure a renowned French horologist was given the title 'under the license of the king' (Louis the XIV) in 1705. He had two workshops both on Il de la Cité, Paris.
