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

The hour-plate is oval shaped. The first and second scales are oval, but the third is circular and there is a central circle engraved with an elaborate design of leaves and flowers. The compass has cardinal points indicated by Latin initials. There are several misengraved lines along the meridian line, one of which is possibly for a magnetic variation of 9° West of North. The reverse side of the dial-plate is filled with a table of latitudes in two columns, for example: 'Reims 49', 'Bordeaux 44' and 'Madrid 41'. It has a black oval case with red velvet lining and a brass hook clasp.

This elaborately engraved dial, signed 'CHAPOTOT A PARIS', is the only oval example of Chapotot's work in the collection. The cardinal points of the compass are indicated by their Latin names rather than their French ones.

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