floating sundial
Datedate 1824
Inventory Number7232
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
Samuel Porter
Place of Origin
Dimensions2.5 × 5.1 × 5.1 cm (1 × 2 × 2 in.)
Material
AccessoriesNone.
Descriptionfloating sundial. Floating Magnetic Dial in ivory 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 with the 8 major points marked fleur-de-lys, N NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, and NW.,circular
SignedSigned "S. Porter Fecit Feb Y, 16, 1824" / "Entered at Stationer's Hall" printed on floating dial.
InscribedPaper label, painted red, with Honover seal and marked "Samuel Porter, Fecit Feb'y 16 th 1824" / "Patronized by the " / "KING" / "PORTER'S MAGNETIC" / "SUN DIAL" / "Entered at Stationer's Hall"
Curatorial RemarksAppraisal by Brieux, 9/24/84: $550.
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.
ProvenanceHarrold E. Gillingham, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, purchased from Gertrude Hamilton (Mercator), Paris, 1925. David P. Wheatland purchased from Gillingham, 1949. Donated to CHSI c. 1985.
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
Christiaen Christiaensen
Date: circa 1650
Accessories: None.
Object number: 7587