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

There is no engraved scroll. The third and fourth scales are unmarked for latitude (but are set for the standard latitudes); the third scale is numbered 4-12, 1-8. There is leaf decoration in the centre and to the south of the compass, which has an eight-point rose with points indicated by French initials. The degree scale around the North point is divided 30°-0°-30°, and a silver pointer indicates magnetic variation - currently positioned at 24° West of North. There is foliate decoration on the gnomon and the compass base is engraved with a flower at the centre. The remainder of the base, and also the reverse side of the dial-plate, are inscribed with a table of latitudes for European cities which also oddly includes such low-latitude places as Siam (14) (Thailand), Goa (15) and Lima (12).

The dial has a black fishskin octagonal case with green velvet lining and metal fasteners (one push-button clasp and two hooks). The decorative engraving on this dial is much simpler than that on all the other Butterfield dials. The dial itself is also much heavier and the engraving is generally poorer quality. The signature, 'Passement au Louvre', shows that the dial was made after 1749, the year when Passemant was granted a dwelling in the Louvre.

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