3-ring universal ring sundial
Date1750
Inventory Number7170
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
German
Place of Origin
Dimensions0.6 × 9.3 × 7.5 cm (1/4 × 3 11/16 × 2 15/16 in.)
Material
AccessoriesNone.
DescriptionThe meridian ring (outer ring) is marked for northern latitudes from 10° to 90° in 1° increments. The equinoctial ring (inner ring) is marked I-XII-I-XII in 1 hour increments. The horary ring (inner ring) includes a rotating peep sight that can be adjusted against a zodiac or date scale (subdivided into 10 day increments. The latitudes in degrees of 18 towns are engraved on the outer ring.,circular,This dial is of unusual design with the equinoctial hour scale on the innermost ring. This arrangement makes it possible to find the time without knowledge of the date. The zodiac scale appears to be reversed.
Inscribed"A° Solis orfu usque ad occasum, sit nomen Domini benedictum. Psalm 113" is engraved on the outer surface of the middle ring.
Curatorial RemarksAppraisal by Brieux, 9/14/84: $3000. Dial is dated 17th or 18th century in datafile and 1750 by the Giordano appraisal.
FunctionThis instrument has three rings: the latitude is set by the position of the suspension index against the degree scale. To tell the time, the dial and the center ring are rotated until the pinhole of light falls on the center line of the center ring. The correct time can then be read where the inner ring intersects the outer ring.
ProvenanceHarrold E. Gillingham, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, purchased from Martha R. Wray, London, 1931. David P. Wheatland purchased from Gillingham, 1949. Donated to CHSI, c. 1985.
German
Date: 1700
Accessories: None. A painted metal stand, No. 408 is associated with this dial but has not been located
Object number: 7172
Edmund Culpeper
Date: circa 1730
Accessories: Rectangular black leather covered case with dark blue velvet lining.
Object number: 7464
Nicolas Bion
Date: circa 1700
Accessories: Hardened leather case
Object number: 7465