Butterfield dial for latitudes 40°-60° North. Standard four-scale dial (see related terms) except for the following details:-

There is no scroll decoration. The first and second hour scales are octagonal, the third is oval shaped and the fourth is hexagonal. The spaces between the scales are filled with hatching. The compass has cardinal points indicated by the full French names, there is no magnetic variation and its covering glass plate is chipped. The gnomon is decorated with foliate design. The reverse side of the dial-plate carries a list of latitudes in two columns such as: Paris 49, Vienne 49, Madrid 41, Venise 45, Londre 52.

The octagonal case is made of black fishskin, has red velvet lining and a brass push-button fastener. A typical Butterfield dial, the main point of interest about this instrument is the inclusion of three widely separated cities among the place names - Krakow, Copenhagen and Constantinople. The inclusion of these towns has necessitated a wider range of latitudes for the hour scales than normal. The dial is signed 'P. SEVIN AParis' on the reverse side.

For more information regarding this dial please refer to the OUP & NMM catalogue, 'Sundials at Greenwich'.