floating sundial
Date1730
Inventory Number7239
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
German
Place of Origin
DimensionsOverall: 0.5 lb., 9 x 6 x 9 x 9 cm (0.2 kg, 3 9/16 x 2 3/8 x 3 9/16 x 3 9/16 in.)
Overall - Storage: 6 x 9 x 9 cm (2 3/8 x 3 9/16 x 3 9/16 in.)
Overall - Storage: 6 x 9 x 9 cm (2 3/8 x 3 9/16 x 3 9/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionFloating Magnetic Dial in large red wooden case with cover. Floating magnetic compass card with fixed gnomon. The chapter ring is printed on the floating compass card with hours marked from 4 to 12 to 8 with 15 minute subdivisions. The compass rose is on a fixed ring surrounding the floating card and is divided into 8 points marked NORD, N-O, OST, S-O, SUD, S-W. WEST, and N-W.,circular
Curatorial RemarksChristie's DC830/130.
FunctionThe local time is indicated by the shadow of a self-orienting gnomon mounted on a magnetic compass card. This design is intended to be used at one specific latitude and magnetic deviation.
ProvenanceJoseph Drecker, Aachen, Germany, before 1928 (no. 28); Frederik Casparus Wieder, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, 1928; D. P. Wheatland, Topsfield, MA, 1959; gift to CHSI, August 17, 1988.
