Astronomical watch

Object/Artifact

Historic Hudson Valley

Name/Title

Astronomical watch

Entry/Object ID

VC.59.842 a-b

Description

Watch, astronomical; compass and pocket sun-dial, in two hinged wooden rectangles; compass, with arrow-shaped needle, set into wood under glass; compass face engraved with yellow, green, pink painted eight-point star, and the compass points: Nord,NO,Ost,SO,Std,SW,West; compass surrounded by engraved and painted dial bearing hours of day, etc., in Roman and Arabic numerals; remainder of area about compass decorated with engraved and painted flowers, swags, etc.; hinged upper half of instrument, also faced with engraved and painted paper, bears dial, and series of numbered holes, into which small string from compass face could be plugged, in accordance with the printed chart on the exterior, to render the time of day in any of the 28 European cities listed. On face of compass: "Ver fernal von David Berin, Ger."

Collection

Van Cortlandt Manor Object Collection

Made/Created

Artist Information

Artist

David Berin

Attribution

Maker

Date made

1668 - 1733

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Inscription

Transcription

On face of compass: "Ver fernal von David Berin, Ger."

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Overall

Width

1-1/2 in

Length

2-1/2 in

Dimension Notes

Display Dimensions: 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 in. (3.8 x 6.4 cm)

Material

brass, Iron, Fruitwood, Paper, Glass, string

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Van Cortlandt Family

Notes

Former owner

Related Entries

Notes

VC.59.841 a-c - Astronomical watch - Similar item

General Notes

Note Type

Curatorial Remarks

Note

Miscellaneous: Apparently, quite rare.

Note Type

General Note

Note

Van Cortlandt family possession

Note Type

StorageNote

Note

Home Location: Historic Hudson Valley, Union Church, Storage, Shelf 13C