Portable horizontal 'Butterfield' sundial, signed 'Butterfie - Lot 231

Portable horizontal 'Butterfield' sundial, signed 'Butterfield AParis', circa 1700. Silver (800 thousandths) H. 8 cm - L. 6.5 cm Gross weight : 46,1 g Octagonal turntable engraved with four hour scales for latitudes 43, 46, 48, and 51° bearing a sixteen-direction compass and adjustable, folding gnomon with bird-shaped index; foliage decoration. The reverse of the instrument is engraved with the names and latitudes of thirty cities in France and Europe. Michael Butterfield (circa 1645-1735), of English origin, trained in Paris and took French nationality in 1672; one of the most prominent manufacturers in Paris at the time, his name became attached to this dial form. Expert : Anthony TURNER - 01 39 12 11 91