Butterfield dial for latitudes 40°-57° North. Standard three-scale dial (see related terms) except for the following details:-

The dial-plate is oval shaped. The first scale is oval; the second is hexagonal, numbered 4-12, 1-8; and the third is also oval shaped. The compass has cardinal points indicated by initials in a mixture of Latin and French. It is incorrectly oriented, but was possibly originally offset 20° West of North. There is a convex glass plate over all. The latitude scale on the gnomon is adjustable for latitudes 40°-[57°] and there is an arced strip index to mark the latitude. Both the gnomon and the index are decorated. The reverse side of the dial-plate is filled with a table of latitudes incorporating a wide range of European cities.

Rather than the standard bird index, this sundial has a simple arced strip, whose top edge marks the latitude on the gnomon (see the Collet dial, AST0506, for a similar gnomon). The compass uses an odd mixture of French and Latin names for the cardinal points - Nord for North, but Oriens and Occidens for East and West (M could represent Midi or Meridies). Fewer French towns are listed than is usual for a Butterfield dial, the maker concentrating instead on European capital cities. The dial was perhaps made to appeal to someone who travelled extensively. It is signed 'Cremstorff AParis' on the reverse side of the dial-plate.

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