floating sundial
Datecirca 1870
Inventory Number7240
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
D. L. Smith
fl. 1870
Place of Origin
DimensionsOverall: 0.1 lb., 4 x 2 x 4 x 4 cm (1 9/16 x 13/16 x 1 9/16 x 1 9/16 in.)
Overall - Storage: 2 x 4 x 4 cm (13/16 x 1 9/16 x 1 9/16 in.)
Overall - Storage: 2 x 4 x 4 cm (13/16 x 1 9/16 x 1 9/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionFloating Magnetic Dial in brass case with cover. Floating magnetic compass card with fixed gnomon. The chapter ring is printed on the floating compass card with hours marked from IIII to XII to VIII with 15 minute subdivisions. The compass rose is divided into 16 points marked fleur-de-lys, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW,WSW, W, WNW, NW, and NNW.,circular
SignedSigned "D.L. SMITH'S PATENT " / "AUG. 23. 1870" stamped on bottom of compass housing.
Curatorial RemarksAppraisal by Brieux, 9/24/84: $50.
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.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland purchased from Roland B. Hammond, North Andover, Massachusetts, March 1965. Donated to CHSI 1985.
Elliott Brothers
Date: circa 1890
Accessories: original mahogany case; case key (made from an old one by Richard Ketchen in December 1997)
Object number: DW0529
Christiaen Christiaensen
Date: circa 1650
Accessories: None. On 6/22/98 an envelope with the chapter ring for this dial was found in 1V-2b. JR. Chapter ring added to unit 6/13/02G CK
Object number: 7262
