Butterfield dial for latitudes 40°-55° North. Standard three-scale dial (see related terms) except for the following details:-

The first scale is octagonal and marked 'pour 48d.50', the second is oval shaped and the third is hexagonal. The whole of the remainder of the plate is engraved with ornate acanthus decoration, as is the gnomon brace and the base of the compass. There are two legs to aid support of the dial-plate. On the compass is a four-point rose giving the cardinal points in French. The quadrantal points are shown by single lines and the covering glass plate is cracked. The latitude scale on the gnomon is adjustable for latitudes 40°-55° and it is decorated with leaves. The reverse side of the dial-plate is filled with a table of latitudes in two columns comprising mostly French towns.

The engraving on this dial is very elaborate with floral motifs in every available space, including between the hour scales. Unusually, the main scale is not inscribed for an exact number of degrees but rather for 48° 50', which Bion gives as the latitude of Paris (actually 48° 52'). The list of towns extends as far north as Stockholm, although the gnomon is only adjustable for latitudes up to 55°. The dial is signed 'N Bion AParis' on the reverse side.

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