inclining sundial
Datedate 1601
Inventory Number7204
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
Marcus Purmann
1588 - 1616
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions1.2 × 6 × 3.7 cm (1/2 × 2 3/8 × 1 7/16 in.)
Material
AccessoriesNone.
DescriptionHorizontal Inclining Dial with Compass in gilt brass case by Purmann
The dial and compass are mounted in a rectangular brass or bronze case with a hinged cover. The gnomon for the dial is located directly over the compass and is hinged to rotate into the plane of the dial for storage. The chapter ring is marked 3-12-1-9 with 30 minute subdivisions. The gnomon is designed for a latitude of approximately 46° and the dial plate is hinged to allow rtation up or down to accommodate latitudes from 42° to 52° in 2° increments. The compass has a single line offset for a magnetic declination of approximately 20° W of N.,rectangular,Volvelles (circular moveable scales) are on the inside and outside of the cover, a fixed circular table is on the outside bottom surface. The volvelle on the outside of the cover determines the number of hours of daylight and night as a function of the date. The volvelle on the inside of the cover determines the offset of the tides in relation to the lunar cycle. The table on the back of the instrument relates the lunar cycle to the time offset between the sun and the moon.
The dial and compass are mounted in a rectangular brass or bronze case with a hinged cover. The gnomon for the dial is located directly over the compass and is hinged to rotate into the plane of the dial for storage. The chapter ring is marked 3-12-1-9 with 30 minute subdivisions. The gnomon is designed for a latitude of approximately 46° and the dial plate is hinged to allow rtation up or down to accommodate latitudes from 42° to 52° in 2° increments. The compass has a single line offset for a magnetic declination of approximately 20° W of N.,rectangular,Volvelles (circular moveable scales) are on the inside and outside of the cover, a fixed circular table is on the outside bottom surface. The volvelle on the outside of the cover determines the number of hours of daylight and night as a function of the date. The volvelle on the inside of the cover determines the offset of the tides in relation to the lunar cycle. The table on the back of the instrument relates the lunar cycle to the time offset between the sun and the moon.
SignedSigned "* M * P * 1601" engraved on inside of brass cover.
InscribedM * P * 1601
Curatorial RemarksAppraisal by Brieux: $20000. Spelling of maker's name is in accordance with Zinner, p. 473.
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 46°. 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 particular dial can also be lowered for latitudes below 46°.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland purchased from Ernst Weil, London, 1957. Donated to CHSI 1985.
Christiaen Christiaensen
Date: circa 1650
Accessories: None.
Object number: 7587
George Dollond (I)
Date: circa 1830
Accessories: Mahogany box with fitted interior and two exterior brass hooks and two brass hinges.
Object number: 7056
