Prior to 1895 the Dial existed as separate pieces in the collection. At that time, they were assembled in an incorrect configuration and have since been disassembled. A reproduction base in the shape of a figure of Hercules was made in 2001, but it is unlikely that such a figure would have been used on this piece. This compass may not be original to the piece, and its face and part of the gnomon are missing. The instrument is marked for equal and planetary hours, common and Italian hours, with appropriate conversion tables. The base is elaborately decorated with a Biblical relief of the two miracles of Isaiah, and the bowl with the Zodiac. This type of dial requires both a vertical gnomon and a diagonal gnomon. In the present example, the former would consist of a pointed rod in the center of the bowl (now occupied by a compass); the latter of a figure holding a staff (part of which is restored), mounted to the rim. A string from the center to the end of the staff would form the second gnomon. Engraved. "CHRISTOPHERUS SCHISSLER GEOMETRICUS AC ASTRONOMICUS ARTIFEX AUGUSTAE VINDELICORUM FACIEBAT ANNO 1578" along outer rim of the underside of the bowl.