floating sundial
Date1800
Inventory Number7347
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
German
Place of Origin
DimensionsOverall: 0.2 lb., 6.2 x 4.3 x 6.2 x 6.2 cm (0.1 kg, 2 7/16 x 1 11/16 x 2 7/16 x 2 7/16 in.)
Overall - Storage: 4.3 x 6.2 x 6.2 cm (1 11/16 x 2 7/16 x 2 7/16 in.)
Overall - Storage: 4.3 x 6.2 x 6.2 cm (1 11/16 x 2 7/16 x 2 7/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionFloating Magnetic Dial in dark 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 4 points marked NORT, OST, SUD, andWEST.,circular,The compass rose and chapter ring are brightly hand colored in red, pink, green, blue, and yellow.
Curatorial RemarksAppraisal by Brieux, 9/24/84: $500. 236 may also be numbered Drecker27.
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. 27); Frederik Casparus Wieder, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, 1928; D. P. Wheatland, Topsfield, MA, 1959; gift to CHSI, ca. 1987.
