inclining sundial
Datecirca 1870
Inventory Number7401
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
J. Heath
Place of Origin
Dimensions8 × 9.2 × 8.5 cm (3 1/8 × 3 5/8 × 3 3/8 in.)
Material
AccessoriesNone
DescriptionHorizontal Inclining Dial with Plummet and Compass by Heath?
A horizontal inclining dial with a folding gnomom designed for a latitude of 45° and mounted over a compass. The chapter ring is hinged and engraved with Roman Numerals from I to XII to I with 15 minute increments. A scale calibrated from -15° to 105° and graduated in 1° increments is provided for adjusting the inclination of the chapter ring between 0° and 88° latitude. The compass rose is divided into 64 points with selected points marked "NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, and NW.,circular, mounted on octagonal base
A horizontal inclining dial with a folding gnomom designed for a latitude of 45° and mounted over a compass. The chapter ring is hinged and engraved with Roman Numerals from I to XII to I with 15 minute increments. A scale calibrated from -15° to 105° and graduated in 1° increments is provided for adjusting the inclination of the chapter ring between 0° and 88° latitude. The compass rose is divided into 64 points with selected points marked "NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, and NW.,circular, mounted on octagonal base
SignedSigned "J. HEATH Fecit"
Inscribed"AMBIGUIS ALIS LABILIS HORA VOLAT" engraved on dial plate.
Curatorial RemarksThere is a note in the datasheet by R.S.W. saying: "Perhaps made by D.B. Sheehan - c. 1890 New York."
FunctionAn inclining dial is similar to a horizontal dial, but its plate—and not its style—is adjusted for latitude. The style and the hour lines are fixed for one latitude, in this example 60°. As the plate is raised for use in latitudes closer to the equator, it remains parallel to the horizontal plane of its original latitude. This type of dial became more common towards the end of the eighteenth century.
ProvenanceHarrold E. Gillingham, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, purchased from Sussell, 1935. David P. Wheatland purchased from Gillingham, 1949. Donated to CHSI 1985.
Hunt
Date: circa 1820
Accessories: Circular red leather and cardboard case.
Object number: 7108
Pierre Le Maire II
Date: 1730-1760
Accessories: Shagreen fitted case with green velvet lining , exterior decorated with nails.
Object number: 7065
Thomas & Jonathon Mason
Date: circa 1815
Accessories: Brass box, unlined, with interior fittings to hold dial in place
Object number: 7073
Matthew Berge
Date: circa 1810
Accessories: Fine fitted wooden case with provision for mounting the dial on top. and handwriiten instructions for use of sundial.
Object number: 7477
Outdoor Supply Company, Inc.
Date: circa 1950
Accessories: Original cardboard box in fine condition with instructions. Box marked "BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA" and wih sales sticker from F.A.O. Schwarz, New York, N. Y.
Object number: 7202
Date: circa 1921
Accessories: Original cardboard box (damaged) and instructions (copyright 1921).
Object number: 7913
