Butterfield dial for latitudes 35°-50° North. Standard four-scale dial (see related terms) except for the following details:-

There is no engraved scroll. The first scale is octagonal and marked for 55°, the second scale is also octagonal and marked for 50°, the third is oval shaped and marked for 45°, while the fourth is octagonal and marked for 40°. The hour-plate has four hour scales reading clockwise, and between these the spaces are filled with black enamel. The compass has an eight-point rose with the points named in French. There is a replacement needle which is slightly worn, blued at its North end and surmounted by a brass pyramidal pivot. There is a chipped glass plate over all.

The latitude scale on the gnomon has been incorrectly marked as adjustable for latitudes 45°-60° - the actual latitudes are 35°-50°. It has acanthus decoration with an enamel fill. The compass base is engraved with a flower at the centre. The remainder of the base and the reverse side of the dial-plate are inscribed with a table of latitudes featuring European towns and cities (also unusually featuring Malta and Crete).

This is one of the few Butterfield dials in the collection to carry enamel work between the hour scales on the dial-plate. The instrument is signed 'Macquart AParis' on its obverse side.

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