compass sundial
Date1850
Inventory Number7196
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Place of Origin
Dimensions0.6 × 5 × 3.8 cm (1/4 × 1 15/16 × 1 1/2 in.)
Material
AccessoriesCircular leather covered brass case
DescriptionThe dial is mounted directly over a magnetic compass. The gnomon for the dial is hinged at one end and in the center to rotate into the plane of the dial for storage. The chapter ring is marked 4-12-1-8 with 30 minute subdivisions. The gnomon is designed for a latitude of approximately 49°. The compass rose has a single line with crossbar marked NO and offset for magnetic declination at approximately 10° E of N.,circular,Gnomon with hinge at the center is unusual.
case may be older than the dial.
case may be older than the dial.
Curatorial RemarksChristie's DC830/115. Dial may be of oriental origin with attempt to simulate earlier European style (per Sara Shechner).
FunctionTime finding at one latitude after orienting the gnomon to point toward true North.
ProvenanceHarrold E. Gillingham, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, purchased from Boucart, Paris, 1925. David P. Wheatland purchased from Gillingham, 1949. Donated to CHSI, c. 1985.
English
Date: circa 1935
Accessories: Blue cardboard box with instructions printed on a circular paper glued to the interior of the lower half. There is also a slip-in brown leather case.
Object number: 7224
