Miler Diptych

Miler Diptych

Ivory, Hans Miler

Origin: Nuremburg, Germany, Early 17th Century

Context: James Fort Kitchen and Cellar

Found missing its compass needle and lid, this pocket sundial was part of a gentleman’s set used to tell time in major cities in Europe. The hour lines were calibrated for the cities of London and Amsterdam, around the 53˚ latitude. Possession of a diptych dial was a sign of wealth, scientific interest or education, and worldliness. The ability to demonstrate the art of “dyalling” would place the universe in miniature in a gentleman’s hands.

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